Three countries are willing and capable' of assassinating political dissidents on Australian soil, Asio head warns

""This threat is real. Given the degrading trajectory of our security environment and the growing willingness of regimes to conduct high-harm operations, Asio assesses there is a realistic possibility a foreign government will attempt to assassinate a perceived dissident in Australia, Burgess said as he delivered the Lowy Lecture in Sydney.""

""We believe there are at least three nations willing and capable of conducting lethal targeting here. It is entirely possible the regimes would try to hide their involvement by hiring criminal cutouts, as Iran did when directing its arson attacks.""

""He did not name the three countries. But during his speech, Burgess referred to Iran, whose Revolutionary Guard Corps allegedly directed arson attacks on two Jewish sites in Sydney and Melbourne; and Russia, whose operatives are covertly stoking and amplifying division in Australia. He also cited a strategic power competition stoking territorial disputes, including in the South China Sea.""

ASIO assesses there is a realistic possibility a foreign government will attempt to assassinate a perceived dissident in Australia. At least three foreign states are believed to be willing and capable of conducting lethal targeting on Australian soil. Some regimes may try to conceal involvement by hiring criminal cutouts, with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps cited for alleged arson attacks on Jewish sites in Sydney and Melbourne. Russian operatives are accused of covertly stoking and amplifying division within Australia. Strategic power competition, including China’s nine-dash line claim in the South China Sea, intensifies regional tensions. ASIO and law enforcement are working around the clock to protect Australians.

Read at www.theguardian.com