A man suspected of trying to advise the so-called Islamic State on missiles has been arrested in Australia.
Haisem Zahab, 42, was arrested at Young, in rural New South Wales, on Tuesday, PM Malcolm Turnbull said.
Police allege the electrician was helping to develop a long-range guided missile, and designing a laser device to warn of incoming munitions used by forces in Iraq and Syria. The arrest did not relate to a planned attack in Australia, Mr Turnbull said.
Mr Zahab was an Australian citizen and planned to provide IS “with the technical capability, and high-tech capability, to detect and develop missiles”, the prime minister said.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Andrew Colvin alleged the man was acting alone and his advice was “fairly sophisticated and well-planned”. He did not appear to have direct experience with missile or laser technology, the commissioner said.