Australia raises terror threat level to ‘probable’ from ‘possible,’ citing Gaza war effect

Australia raises its terror threat level to “probable” from “possible,” citing an increase in extremist views in the country leading to a more than 50% chance of the planning of an onshore attack in the next 12 months.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he has raised the country’s threat level following advice from security services, but says there is no imminent threat of an attack.

“The advice that we have received is that more Australians are embracing a more diverse range of extreme ideologies and it is our responsibility to be vigilant,” he tells a news conference.

Australia lowered the threat level to “possible” in 2022, following eight years at “probable.”

Mike Burgess, director general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, the country’s main intelligence agency, says tensions in the Middle East, including the Israel-Hamas war that began on October 7, are a contributing factor to raising the threat level.

“The conflict has fueled grievances, promoted protests, undermined social cohesion and elevated intolerance,” he says.