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Australia Lowers Terror Threat Level for First Time Since 2014

  • Terrorist attack in Australia is now considered ‘possible’
  • Australian spy agencies shift focus to foreign interference
Sydney, Australia. 

Sydney, Australia. 

Photographer: Brendon Thorne/Bloomberg
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Australia’s top intelligence agency reduced the threat level for a domestic terrorist attack to “possible” from “probable,” as it sharpens its focus on interference by foreign governments.

The first change in the level since 2014 -- which then came amid concerns about the Islamic State -- was announced Monday by Australian Security Intelligence Organization Director-General Mike Burgess. He told reporters the threat from “religiously motivated violent extremists” had been reduced and Australia’s intelligence capabilities had improved.