7am Sabotage, surveillance and state-sponsored killings: ASIO's warning
Feb 20, 2025
Jason Koutsoukis, a special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, sheds light on ASIO's alarming threat assessment revealing Australia's most challenging security landscape in half a century. He discusses the rise of foreign interference, with governments attempting to influence Australian politics and elections. Koutsoukis also covers the prevalence of self-radicalization among youth, driven by extremist ideologies and social media. Moreover, he delves into the implications of espionage in the context of AUKUS, highlighting the nation's urgent need for robust defense strategies.
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Persistent Terror Threat
- The terror threat level remains probable and won't decrease soon.
- ASIO foiled five terror plots in Australia last year.
Evolving Threat Landscape
- The profile of potential attackers has shifted.
- Lone actors, often young and influenced by online extremism, pose a significant threat.
Youth Radicalization
- Minors as young as 15 are under ASIO investigation.
- Examples include sharing beheading videos and expressing extremist views.