An Australian man has been charged with supporting Islamic State (IS) by helping develop a long-range missile and warning system for the extremist organisation.
Police arrested Australian-born electrician Haisem Zahab after searching his home in Young, NSW, on Tuesday morning.
They allege the 42-year-old was researching and designing a warning system to alert IS to incoming laser-guided missiles, as well as "researching, designing and modelling systems to assist with Islamic State efforts to develop a long-range guided missile".
Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner of Counter Terrorism Ian McCartney said the arrest did not relate to any planned terrorist attack on Australian soil.
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told reporters the arrest was a reminder terrorism had infiltrated all parts of the country.
"The support and the cooperation of Australian Muslim communities - the vast majority of whom are law-abiding, patriotic Australians - is absolutely vital in our common struggle against extremism and terrorism," he said.
Zahab was charged with two counts of preparing for "incursions into foreign countries for purposes of engaging in hostile activities", which carry a maximum penalty of life in prison. He was also charged with one computer-related offence.
Newshub.
