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Terrorist plot thwarted?

News is coming out that the Australian Federal Authorities have foiled an allegedged terrorist plot to use an IED to bring down an Airliner.
More to come !

From Australia's ABC:

Quote:

Sydney terror raids 'disrupted' plot to bring down plane, Malcolm Turnbull says

Updated 30 minutes ago

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says anti-terrorism raids carried out in Sydney yesterday "disrupted" an alleged plot to bring down an aircraft.

Key points:
AFP says operation related to information about use of "improvised device"
Extra security measures put in place at major airports, travellers advised to allow extra time for security screening
Australia's terror threat level remains at probable

Four men were arrested after the Australian Federal Police, New South Wales Police and ASIO raided homes in the inner-city suburb of Surry Hills, and the south-western suburbs of Lakemba, Wiley Park and Punchbowl.
The AFP said the operation related to information about the use of an "improvised device".

"We don't have a great deal of information on the specific attack, the location, date or time, however, we're investigating information indicating the aviation industry was potentially a target of that attack," AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin said.

Mr Turnbull said the "major counter-terrorism operation" was ongoing, and extra security measures have been put in place at major airports.

He said those with plans to travel should do so with confidence, but allow extra time for security screening because of the extra security.

"Some of the measures will be obvious to the public, some will not be — those travelling should go about their business with confidence," Mr Turnbull said.

"The Office of Transport Security has advised security screening will take longer.

"Travellers should arrive at terminals at least two hours before flights to allow ample time for screening.

"They should limit the amount of carry-on and checked baggage, as this will help to ensure that security screening is efficient."

'The key to keeping Australians safe'

Mr Turnbull said the overnight operation was continuing.

"This is an example of the outstanding work that is conducted by the joint counter-terrorism team, which consists of the Australian Federal Police, the New South Wales Police, ASIO, and the New South Wales Crime Commission," he said.

"The tight cooperation and collaboration between our intelligence and security agencies is the key to keeping Australians safe from terrorism.

"Last night's disruption operations are a very good example of the way in which our agencies are delivering our commitment to keep Australians safe."

A woman who told the ABC her son and husband were arrested after her Surry Hills house was raided denied they had any links to terrorism.

"I love Australia," she said as she was accompanied to a waiting car by police.
Since 2014, 70 people have been charged as a result of 31 counter-terrorism operations around the country.

Australia's terror threat level remains at probable.

Sydney terror raids 'disrupted' plot to bring down plane, Malcolm Turnbull says - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

So baggage handlers, cleaners, caterers and engineers to be screened from today?
Or just more window dressing? Can't believe the real holes in security haven't been raised yet. Too expensive too hard. Then the outcome is obvious isn't it.

Agree Berealgetreal, just ridiculous they aren't.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Berealgetreal (Post 9846336)

but they all have to get an ASIC don't they?

All this and they haven't even laid charges.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cooperplace (Post 9846359)

but they all have to get an ASIC don't they?

Pilots have ASIC's too, yet they are screened. They are "trusted" to do the right thing given the almost unlimited possibility for nefarious activity [Germanwings].

The screening pilots yet, not groundstaff with airside access seems to logically indefensible.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CurtainTwitcher (Post 9846369)

How about a job as a "cleaner" 650 m from runway intersection point in a multi story hotel at the 8th busiest airport in the country. CES on a last sitting day with minimal training required.

No ASIC required and an explosive diversion exit option just below.

https://www.canberraairport.com.au/w...16_cropped.jpg

Everytime one of these headlines pops up, I love reading the interviews with the neighbours;

Quote:

The family who lived in the raided house on Cleveland Street in Surry Hills have been described as “perfectly nice and normal people” by a neighbour.
“We knew them to say hello to and they seemed nice,” the woman in her early 30s, who didn’t want to be identified, told AAP.

Well, :mad: genius...do you expect them to broadcast with a sign post saying "planning terrorist activities"? :ugh::ugh::ugh:

Has anyone experienced longer than usual screening? I'm just waiting for an email from the company asking to allow an additional __ minutes on top of the additional for a certain bus service.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cooperplace (Post 9846359)

but they all have to get an ASIC don't they?

Don't let the facts get in the way of an opportunistic, pretentious laced pot shot.

Security screening is associated with your duty, therefore, if they want you to allow extra time, for security, they can roster you for it. :D

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuarterInchSocket (Post 9846406)

Don't let the facts get in the way of an opportunistic, pretentious laced pot shot.

https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/rap-sheets-for-20-per-cent-of-airport-staff-ng-b88431042z

Pot shot or not, in time I'd be surprised if things don't change

It is interesting that with all the 'heightened security' of the past few years that ramp, cargo and catering staff are never subjected to physical checks. As for the ASIC card, all staff that have access to aircraft, or things that go onto aircraft, should be subject to the Australian Government Security Vetting System (AGSVA) process, just like any public servant has to. It's not perfect, but it is a hell of a lot more comprehensive than the current ASIC process. ASIC is basically just a criminal record check. The AGSVA process looks into your allegiances, associates etc and you have to be an Australian citizen to go through it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CurtainTwitcher (Post 9846369)

Not exactly correct, ground staff includes customer service (check in/gate staff) and they most definitely DO go through security.
Having said that, I agree, always thought it was a hole that needed to be plugged that no one airside below the first floor was screened.
Then you had the stupidity of a legitimate employee going from the sterile area to the ramp to deliver a message who then gets told by AFP that he/she has to go back into the terminal and go through security again - a completely impractical situation where someone's duties are focussed on the gate area. Screening everyone would obviate this then everyone could move as required by their duties on the airside (inside or out) as they would all be screened. Catering is another area that needs attention.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SHVC (Post 9846397)

Has anyone experienced longer than usual screening? I'm just waiting for an email from the company asking to allow an additional __ minutes on top of the additional for a certain bus service.

Ground staff engaged in their duties in the terminal are usually allowed to go to the front of the queue for screening. Should be the same for Crew one would think.

Quote:

they can roster you for it.

Provided they set up a sign-on computer prior to the security station... ;) :{

Quote:

Then you had the stupidity of a legitimate employee going from the sterile area to the ramp to deliver a message who then gets told by AFP that he/she has to go back into the terminal and go through security again

Which is why the AFP are not responsible for airside security, as they, like most pilots, don't know the regs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Traffic_Is_Er_Was (Post 9846589)

Which is why the AFP are not responsible for airside security, as they, like most pilots, don't know the regs.

I think it was more a case of "Not much to do so we'll just run interference to make it look like we're doing stuff".

No problem with security being at the highest levels but with people administering it who know what they're talking about.

I know of an FO who was nearly crash tackled at a regional airport for talking to a child on the other side of the fence during a walk around. He got dragged outside of the terminal and back through security. Yet those throwing the bags on the other end of the plane just walk straight out.

It's all a show, much like I suspect this "raid" will turn out to be.