Security services in Australia say they foiled an attempt to blow up an Etihad Airways flight from Sydney in what was described as a sophisticated plot.
Reports claim the attack was due to take place on July 15 but was aborted before the device, which was concealed in hand luggage, reached airport security.
Australian Federal Police deputy commissioner Michael Phelan said the plot was being coordinated from a senior commander of terrorist group Islamic State based overseas.
He said he had organised for the parts of the improvised explosive device [IED] to be sent to a group of men in Australia by cargo from Turkey.
“With assistance from the ISIL [Islamic State] commander, the accused assembled the IED into what we believe was a functioning IED to be placed on that flight,” he said.
The device was described as containing a “high-end” explosive. “I don’t want to be specific because it’s still under examination for the exactness of it but high military-grade explosive”.
“This is one of the most sophisticated plots that has ever been attempted on Australian soil.”
One of the group of accused men was reported to have brought the device to Sydney airport in hand luggage and asked his brother to take it on the flight.
However, the man had left the airport with the bag and the brother, who has not been charged, continued onto the flight without it.
A second plot, alleged to have involved a “chemical dispersion device” which would release highly-toxic gas, was described as being in the early stages of planning.
Khaled Khayat, 49, and Mahmoud Khayat, 32, have been charged with two counts of planning a terrorist act.
A court case was adjourned until November 14. A third man is still being questioned and a fourth was released without charge.