The US consulate in Melbourne has issued its first security alert this century to American citizens living in Victoria and beyond, saying a terrorist attack is likely.
The US consulate in Melbourne has issued its first security alert this century to American citizens in Victoria and beyond, saying a terrorist attack is likely.
The alert has been triggered by the charging last weekend of a 17-year-old with engaging in an act in preparation for, or planning, a terrorist act, which followed the unrelated arrest of two 18-year-olds charged with similar offences allegedly planned for Anzac Day. All are Melbourne residents.
The US warning — a “warden message” — reminds its citizens that the national terrorism public alert level remains set by the Australian government at “high”. It says: “Australian National Security has stated that a terrorist attack is likely to occur in Australia.”
The warning notes the arrest of the 17-year-old in Melbourne “as part of a broader counter-terrorism operation.” Due to the nature of this threat, it says: “US citizens are reminded to be aware of your surroundings during this time of heightened alert, and report … any suspicious individuals or items you may see.”
The consulate urges US citizens “to review your personal security plan, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates’’.
“Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security,” it continues.
A spokeswoman for the US embassy in Canberra said yesterday that all US overseas missions were mandated by congress to share information that may impact on an expatriate community.
This ensured that “there is no double standard” — although the alerts derive from relevant open-sourced reports rather than intelligence-gathering.
The Sydney consulate sent a warden message to US citizens in NSW during the Martin Place Lindt cafe siege in December.
Cyclone warnings are also issued to Americans living in the north of Australia when the risk becomes severe.
New Zealanders living and travelling in Australia are also now warned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Wellington “to take account of the terror threat level”. Its Safetravel website notes the raising last September of the threat level for Australia to high: “This means security authorities regard a terrorist attack as likely.”
It says: “Internationally trained terrorists and groups and domestic-based extremists are the predominant threat.
“Terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq continue to plan attacks against the West. Australia has identified concerns related to foreign fighters returning to Australia from conflicts in these countries.”
The Canadian Foreign Ministry also notes the raising of the national terrorism public alert level, and directs its citizens to the relevant Australian government website.
The British Foreign Office, too, points to the “high” terrorism alert level for Australia, adding a warning about “a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time.”
It also warns of “serious sexual assaults against British nationals in Australia” and lists threats from “dangerous animal species” including crocodiles, jellyfish, sharks, insects, spiders and snakes.
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