By Matt Wordsworth, staff Wednesdy 10 September 2014
Related Story: Government confirms attack threat rises to 'above moderate'
Two men have been arrested for alleged terrorism offences after a federal police raid on a Queensland Islamic centre linked to the conflict in Syria.
The men have been accused of helping to recruit, facilitate and fund people to travel to Syria to engage in hostile activities.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers and the Queensland Police Service earlier searched the iQraa Islamic centre and bookstore in Logan, south of Brisbane.
Several other properties in Brisbane were also raided, including a gym in Logan.
One of the centre's founders is believed to be the brother of Abu Asma al Australi, who is suspected of being the first Australian suicide bomber to die in Syria.
The raids come a day after the head of Australia's domestic spy agency, David Irvine, said the country's official terror threat level could be upgraded in the next few days.
ASIO's director-general told the ABC's 7.30 on Tuesday night that the threat had been building in Australia over the past year and he had an "elevated level of concern".
The Federal Government has confirmed the threat of a terrorist attack in Australia has moved "above moderate" because of the involvement of Australians in the Middle East war zone.
Taufan Mawardi, who works at the Islamic centre, arrived at the building as the raid was taking place and said there was nothing to hide.
"It's just paranoia that's happening," he said.
"Things have been happening overseas, it's paranoia, everyone's heightening tension and some people are getting paranoid.
"Really there's nothing there."
Abu Anaan, a customer at the Islamic centre, said it was a popular place among Muslims and non-Muslims and the owners were good people.
"They're terrific dudes - they wouldn't even hurt a fly," he said.
"I don't know them very well, but from what I've seen, and at the last Ramadan, we had some iftar and we prayed there - it's great."
AFP officers met with members of the Muslim community this morning at a university campus south of Brisbane.
Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart was scheduled to give a press conference about 3:00pm (AEST), but it has not been confirmed if he will be directly addressing the raid.
The iQraa centre is also identified as a gift store, book shop and cafe.
There is no immediate danger, Campbell Newman says
Premier Campbell Newman has told parliament there was no immediate danger to the state following today's raids and arrests.
Mr Newman, who was briefed by authorities on the situation earlier today, said the Government would remain on alert and keep Queenslanders informed.
Photo: Police at the scene of the raid at an Islamic centre in Logan. (ABC News: Alyse Edwards)
"I want to assure Queenslanders today we are working closely with the Queensland Police Service, the Federal Government and its agencies to safeguard families in this state," he said.
"While there is no immediate danger, we will remain on alert and keep Queenslanders informed.
"Australia is amongst one of the safest nations in the world and I want to reassure all Queenslanders that we are well protected."
Mr Newman said security was a priority with Brisbane hosting the G20 leaders conference in November.
"We may never escape the potential for extremists who do not like our way of life, but we will always stand opposed to those who are against democracy and the beliefs and values that Queenslanders hold so dear to their hearts," he said.
