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Australia confirms al Qaeda, JI presence
By CNN's Grant Holloway in Sydney
CANBERRA, Australia (CNN) -- Australia's key intelligence organization has confirmed the presence of al Qaeda operatives in Australia and has said that members of Jemaah Islamiya (JI) have also visited the country. The Australia Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) revealed details of the al Qaeda and JI links in its annual report, which was tabled in parliament Thursday. The JI group, allegedly headed by Indonesian Islamic cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir, is a prime suspect in the October 12 Bali bombings which killed more than 180 people, mainly Australian tourists. JI is believed to have links to al Qaeda and has been listed as a terrorist organization by the United States. The United Nations is expected to follow suit shortly. The report, which was written before the Bali attacks, said Australia's profile as a terrorist target had risen because if its role in the war on terrorism. Southeast Asian intelligence sources have told CNN that JI has set up a cell -- called Mantiqi 4 -- responsible for operations in Australia and West Papua. The sources say it is unclear whether the JI cells, thought to have been set up inside Australia itself, are for logistical support or if they are operational. Australia's Attorney-General's department, which is responsible for ASIO, has failed to respond to repeated requests from CNN seeking to confirm this information. Terrorist trainingThe ASIO report also said a number of Australians were known to have undertaken terrorist training in Afghanistan and Pakistan, ranging from basic military instruction to advanced terrorist training. Two Australian citizens -- David Hicks and Mamdouh Habib -- are currently being held by the U.S. military at Guantanamo bay in Cuba, on suspicion of al Qaeda activity. Hicks was captured last December fighting with Taliban forces in Afghanistan, while Habib was arrested in Pakistan several months earlier. ASIO said Islamic extremists now posed the greatest security threat to Australia and that combating terrorism remained the organization's investigative priority. It said Islamic extremists might be prepared to use chemical, biological, radiological or even nuclear weapons against Australian targets. "The most significant security threat to Australia continues to be from Islamic extremist groups," the report said. Australia on Thursday announced fresh measures to boost its anti-terrorism capabilities, particularly its border security and protection of overseas embassies and consulates. (Border security boosted) "Australia's border control mechanisms are an essential tool in minimizing the risk of terrorists entering Australia," ASIO said. The number of visa checks conducted by the organization has risen by more than half over the past two years. But last year, only five visa applicants were refused entry on suspicion of spying or terrorist links. Earlier this week it was revealed Abu Bakar Ba'asyir was a frequent visitor to Australia in recent years, often travelling under an assumed name. "ASIO can confirm several Australian visits by key regional JI leaders and members," the report says.
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