Australia Raises Terrorism Threat Level

SUMMARY

Australia has raised its nationwide terrorism threat level to "probable," signaling an increased risk of an attack within the next 12 months. This decision was made following a recommendation from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), which cited a rise in extremism among young people, particularly those turning to racially or religiously motivated violence with little or no warning. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the change alongside ASIO Director General Mike Burgess during a press conference in Canberra. The elevated alert level is now the third-highest out of five, indicating a belief that there is a greater than 50% chance of a terrorist attack or planning of such an attack on Australian soil.