Australia's prime minister says seven young Australians were recently prevented from leaving the country because of fears they intended to join terrorists in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott refused to give details to reporters today, including who the seven were or where and when they were intercepted.
The Daily Telegraph newspaper reported today that the largest single group of suspected jihadis to attempt to leave Australia for Syria and Iraq were stopped by counterterrorism authorities at Sydney International Airport on Aug 12. That group comprised five men.
Border Protection Minister Peter Dutton confirmed there had been "an incident" at the airport on Aug 12, but would not give details because the investigation was ongoing.
Australia has posted counterterrorism units at all international airports since last year.
