liveLive blog: Senior Australian in Islamic State 'ordered kidnappings and beheadings in Sydney and Brisbane'
Nearly 900 police were involved in raids in Brisbane and Sydney aimed at foiling an alleged imminent terrorist attack, with 15 people arrested.
One was subsequently charged with conspiracy to carry out a terrorist attack, while another man was charged with possessing a prohibited weapon and ammunition.
Police allege the most senior Australian member of Islamic State, Mohammad Ali Baryalei, urged an Australian group to carry out a series of violent acts in Brisbane and Sydney.
The plan was to snatch people off the street, drape them in an Islamic State flag and behead them.
Please scroll back through our blog to see how the day's events unfolded.
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By Daniel Franklin
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By Paul Donoughue
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By Paul Donoughue
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By Paul Donoughue
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By Paul Donoughue
We will allege in court that [Azar is] a central figure in what is a broader group, a broader conspiracy is what we'll say ... to commit violent acts here. He is obviously quite pivotal - again, it will be alleged in court and this will be tested by the court - that he was person who was receiving the instructions.
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By Paul Donoughue
north-west, that was raided by police this morning. (ABC TV)
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By Joel Zander
This is not just suspicion, this is intent and that's why the police and security agencies decided to act in the way they have.
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By Joel Zander
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By Joel Zander