© AFPPolice arrest one of two men suspected of involvement with the conflict in Syria.
Police alleged that a 39-year-old man from St Helen's Park was involved in the recruitment and assistance of six people travelling to Syria to fight alongside the rebel group Jabhat al-Nusra and other al-Qaeda affiliates. The AFP expect him to face seven charges. A 23-year-old from Lidcombe, who the AFP believe was preparing to travel to Syria, was also arrested. He is said to be facing four charges.
The two men are facing charges under the Crimes (Foreign Incursions and Recruitment) Act 1978, with penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment if found guilty.
The attorney general, George Brandis QC, said the arrests were a reminder of the risk that people who get involved with foreign conflicts pose to Australia's national security.
"I am concerned about the radicalisation of Australians as a result of the Syrian conflict, particularly those who return to Australia with the capabilities acquired through fighting or training with extremist groups," he said.
"In addition, Australians travelling to Syria to engage in, or support terrorist activities are not only committing criminal offences, but may face personal risks such as being kidnapped, seriously injured or killed." The men have not been arrested due to any terrorism threat, said the AFP deputy commissioner of national security, Peter Drennan.
"The AFP and its partner agencies target criminal acts, and people travelling to Syria to fight - or assisting others to do so - are committing commonwealth offences," said Drennan, who estimated that about 100 Australians are suspected to be involved in the Syrian conflict.
"This legislation specifies that it is illegal for a person to travel to a country to fight, or be trained to fight or engage in hostile activities. It is also illegal for a person to help recruit or make arrangements for someone to fight or train in another country."
The NSW police deputy commissioner of specialist operations, Catherine Burn, warned that as well as breaking the law, people who take part in a foreign conflict are putting themselves in "immense danger".
"We know that a number of terrorist organisations are involving themselves in overseas wars in a bid to advance their own interests.
"Aside from our defence personnel, Australian citizens have no place participating in foreign conflicts, where they may find themselves working or fighting alongside proscribed terrorist groups." Drennan said while the Syria conflict was important to many people in Australia, there were more "legitimate humanitarian and democratic ways" they could help.
The two men are expected to appear in court on Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning. One will be appearing at Burwood court, the other at Bankstown.
There are so many people risking their lives to get here on rickety boats I would rather the citizenships of these criminals should be transferred to the best kids in some camp in Indonesia or wherever refugees from Syria are maybe.
But whatever, Australians don't want or need Trained, Hardened (that means you have actually learned how to kill people witout feeling bad after - a self made Psychopath) Jihadist murderer here. We are not a suitable society for that poison.