Seven young men detained during a major counter-terrorism operation in southwest Sydney have been released without charge, after police concluded there was insufficient grounds to keep them in custody. The high-profile operation took place amid heightened national security concerns following last week’s deadly attack at Bondi Beach.
The men were stopped late Thursday afternoon in the Liverpool area after New South Wales Police received intelligence suggesting a potential threat. Tactical officers carried out a high-risk vehicle interception involving two cars that had travelled from Victoria. All seven individuals, aged between 19 and 24, were detained at the scene while officers conducted searches and initial questioning.
Police officials said the operation was carried out as a precaution during what authorities described as an “elevated threat environment.” While investigators believed the group may have been heading toward Sydney’s eastern suburbs, including Bondi, officers found no firearms during the search. A single knife was recovered, but police confirmed it did not lead to any immediate criminal charges.
Deputy Police Commissioner David Hudson stated that while the men were not directly linked to the recent Bondi Beach attack, investigators initially assessed the situation conservatively due to similarities in ideological concerns. He emphasized that no confirmed plans for violence were established and that there was no proven coordination with any known extremist networks.
By Friday afternoon, police announced the men would be released, explaining that the legal basis for continued detention no longer existed. Authorities added that inquiries would continue and that routine monitoring would remain in place as part of ongoing investigations.
Following their release, some of the men spoke publicly, alleging they were unfairly targeted and treated aggressively during the arrest. Claims of racial profiling and excessive use of force were made, though police have not commented on those allegations, stating that any complaints would be reviewed through appropriate channels.
The incident has prompted renewed political debate around public safety and firearms regulation. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said the state government plans to introduce stricter gun control measures, including tighter limits on firearm ownership and expanded bans on extremist symbols. At the federal level, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a national gun buyback initiative and additional steps aimed at tackling hate-driven violence.
The police action occurred days after a terror attack at a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach that resulted in 15 deaths and dozens of injuries. That attack, now classified as terrorism, has intensified scrutiny of security policies nationwide and placed law enforcement agencies on high alert.
Authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant while reaffirming that preventive actions are being balanced with legal safeguards and community rights.
