At Least Three Nations Willing to Kill on Australian Soil: ASIO Chief
Mike Burgess, head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), warned that the security environment is deteriorating, making it realistic that a foreign government could attempt to assassinate a dissident in Australia.
According to Burgess, hostile foreign governments are increasingly prepared to target dissidents living within Australia, and more Australians than ever before are under threat from overseas spy agencies.
“The degrading trajectory of the security environment means it is realistic a foreign government will attempt to assassinate a dissident in Australia.”
Burgess also highlighted that the rise of artificial intelligence could significantly amplify radicalisation efforts. He noted that groups such as neo-Nazis, anti-Israel activists, and Hizb ut Tahrir are exploiting grievances to expand their membership.
“Neo-Nazis, anti-Israel activists and Hizb ut Tahrir are harnessing grievances to boost their membership.”
The ASIO chief's remarks underline the complex and evolving threats facing Australia from both foreign state actors and domestic extremist groups.
Author's summary: ASIO warns of increasing threats from foreign governments willing to conduct assassinations in Australia, alongside growing radicalisation fueled by extremist groups and AI technology.