Australia Raises Terror Threat Level: Rising Extremist Ideologies

Australia announced today that it has raised its terrorism threat level from "Possible" to "Probable," citing the rise of "extremist ideologies" following a series of deadly attacks in the country. The director of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), the domestic intelligence agency, Mike Burgess, stated to the press: "The security environment in Australia is deteriorating and becoming more volatile and unpredictable." He emphasized that "more Australians are turning towards extremism," noting that the country is facing "surges in political polarization." There is currently no evidence indicating an "imminent attack," but there is an increasing threat over the next 12 months, according to ASIO. Burgess stated: "Politically motivated violence is now being added to espionage and foreign interference as one of our main security concerns." Australia has experienced an increase in knife attacks in recent months.