SYDNEY (Web Desk/Agencies) – Australian police have stopped more than 200 people suspected of trying to join terror groups from leaving the country since August, say officials.
Among them was a 17-year-old stopped at Sydney airport a fortnight ago, said Immigration Minister Peter Dutton, BBC reported on Wednesday.
Dutton said there was a “growing threat” from Australians attempting to join groups like ‘Islamic State’.
Special anti-terror teams were installed in Australia’s eight international airports in August.
The teenager, who was on his way to the conflict in the Middle East, was returned to the custody of his parents while investigations continued, said Dutton.
The interception came about a week after two Sydney brothers, aged 16 and 17, were stopped at the same airport on suspicion of attempting to join IS.
The brothers, who have not been named, were also returned to their parents.
According to Australian media reports, the two students have been allowed to resume their studies at a prestigious Sydney high school, despite concerns being raised by some parents of other students at the school.
It is a criminal offence in Australia for citizens to set foot in the IS strongholds of Mosul and Raqqa without a legitimate reason such as a visit to family.
Any Australian who travels to the cities could face 10 years in prison.
