Sydney: four Muslims plotted to blow up a plane, says the Prime Minister

Australian authorities have foiled a terrorist conspiracy to bring down an aeroplane using an improvised explosive device.

Four men are in custody after NSW and Australian federal police officers raided properties in the Sydney suburbs of Surry Hills, Lakemba, Wiley Park and Punchbowl on Saturday afternoon.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says the operation disrupted “a terrorist plot to bring down an aeroplane”.

The alarming plot triggered an “intensifying” of security measures at Sydney Airport on Thursday which has since been extended to all domestic and international departure points.

The Prime Minister warned passengers should arrive two hours before their flight and minimise carry-on and checked baggage.

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