Despite never being attacked on home soil, Australia has felt the effects of terrorism. 95 of its people have been killed in bombings in Indonesia since 2002, and the Melbourne arrests have increased feelings of vulnerability. The government though remains calm.

“I am advised that events today do not as this time warrant any change to our national counter terrorism level, which remains at medium, as it has been since the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States,” said Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. Worries are particularly strong within Australia’s Somali community. Three of the suspects are of Somali descent, and there are fears of reprisals. Somali immigrants have found safety after fleeing the anarchy in their homeland. However Australian troops are operating in Afghanistan, and it’s thought the Melbourne community harbours radicals bent on revenge.More about: Attack, Australia, Terrorism

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