Australian P.M. warns of IS "lone-wolf" attacks

Following Islamic State’s threat that it would target Sydney and Melbourne with "lone wolf" attacks, Australia’s Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull plans to discuss counter-terrorism arrangements with leaders at the Asean summit in Laos. Turnbull warned that the return of radicalized IS militants to home after the group’s losses in the battlefield, poses new challenge for security forces to gather intelligence and prevent terror strikes across the region.

Referring to the 2002 Bali bombings, which killed 88 Australians and 27 Britons, Turnbull said that any terror activity in the region will invariably put Australian lives at risk, reports the BBC. Turnbull said he expected constructive discussions over the next few days, urging all the participating nations to unite and offer a “full-court” press against terrorism.

Earlier, Islamic State's Rumiyah magazine called on radicalized people to, “Kill them at the M.C.G., the S.C.G., the Opera House, and even in their backyards,” writes The Sydney Morning Herald. Australian P.M. said that Islamic State, which seeks to maintain relevance in the wake of its territorial losses, will now intensify its attacks outside the Middle East.

Turnbull assured that the Australian security agencies are competent and have been working relentlessly to secure the country, and at the same time, outlined the importance of greater co-operation between neighboring countries to combat the growing threat of terrorism.