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Caravan packed with explosives found in Sydney, potential to cause ‘mass casualty event’

A note with antisemitic sentiments and a reference to a Jewish synagogue was also found inside.

A caravan filled with powerful explosives, allegedly intended for an antisemitic attack, has been discovered at a property in Sydney’s north-west, prompting a major counter-terrorism investigation.

More than 100 counter-terrorism officers are probing the discovery in Dural on 19 January, with NSW Premier Chris Minns warning the situation had the potential to cause a “mass casualty event.”

Minns vowed a “massive and growing police response” to counter extremist threats.

“There will be absolutely no tolerance under any circumstances for these acts of criminal violence in our community.”

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also condemned the discovery, stating that “hate and extremism have no place in Australian society.”

Authorities have confirmed that the caravan contained Powergel, an emulsion-based explosive, with an estimated blast zone of 40 metres. A note with antisemitic sentiments and a reference to a Jewish synagogue was also found inside.

NSW Deputy Police Commissioner David Hudson described the find as a dangerous escalation from recent antisemitic incidents in Sydney, which have included arson and graffiti attacks.

“This is certainly an escalation, with the use of explosives that have the potential to cause a great deal of damage.”

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has called the discovery of a caravan loaded with explosives in NSW “sickening and horrifying,” describing it as a dangerous escalation of antisemitism in Australia.

Dutton urged the Federal Government to disclose when it became aware of the threat, who was responsible, and what actions were taken to protect the Jewish community. He also called for increased security at synagogues and schools to provide reassurance and deterrence.

The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies has expressed deep concern over the discovery of a caravan packed with explosives in Dural, allegedly targeting Jewish communal sites. Calling it a matter of “the gravest possible consequence,” the board stated that ongoing threats against the Jewish community now constitute domestic terrorism “beyond dispute.”

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Although arrests have been made on the “periphery” of the case, police are still investigating who was responsible for placing the explosives and orchestrating the attack.

The discovery comes amid concerns that foreign actors may be funding local extremists to carry out antisemitic attacks. Last week, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) revealed it was probing possible links between overseas entities and recent acts of antisemitic vandalism.

Police have urged anyone who saw the caravan parked in Dural between 7 December and 19 January to come forward, as the investigation continues.

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