Trio jailed for planning Christmas attack

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) –  Three men have been jailed for plotting a large-scale terror attack in busy areas of central Melbourne, Australia.

The men, inspired by Islamic State (IS), had aimed to use machetes and explosives to maximise casualties during the Christmas period in 2016.

It was one of the most substantial terror threats to Australia in recent years, the government said at the time.

A court jailed Abdullah Chaarani and Ahmed Mohamed for 38 years. Hamza Abbas was jailed for 22 years.

The men, all aged in their 20s, were convicted last year after admitting to their crimes.