MELBOURNE – Counter-terrorism police have raided properties in Melbourne’s northern and north-western suburbs linked to five men charged over an alleged plan to travel to Syria to join the self-declared Islamic State militant group.

The Melbourne men, aged between 21 and 31, were arrested last week north of Cairns after towing a seven-metre boat up the coast. The group purportedly planned to sail from Cape York to Indonesia, and fly to Syria.

“The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team are currently executing a number of warrants in the northern and north-western suburbs of Melbourne as a part of Operation Middleham,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman said on Tuesday morning.

“This operational activity is not linked to any increased threat or danger to the community.

“As the matter is before the court, we are unable to comment further.”

On Saturday, the group was charged with preparing to enter a foreign country “for the purpose of engaging in hostile activities,” an offence that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

They are due to face the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

–  TiVi Tuan-san