SYDNEY, April 24 (Xinhua) -- In light of recent terror attacks, Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) Day commemoration services across Australia feature a heavy police presence, a New South Wales (NSW) State Police spokesperson said on Wednesday.
Just days after the horrific Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka where over 300 were killed and only one month on from the New Zealand mosque massacre that claimed the lives of 50 people, Australian security agencies remain on high alert.
"The NSW Police Force is working closely with event organizers and government agencies to ensure ANZAC Day commemorations are safe and secure," the spokesperson said.
"As with all major events, police are conducting security assessments, examining potential risks and providing advice in relation to strategies which might be implemented, in accordance with the current National Terrorism Threat Level which remains at Probable, and in light of overseas events."
"There will be a highly visible and mobile police response at commemorations state-wide, to ensure a family-friendly atmosphere."
A shared day of remembrance for Australia and New Zealand, the origins of ANZAC Day dates back to World War I and the first landings of troops on the Turkish Peninsula of Gallipoli.
While authorities are still encouraging Australians to attend the various commemoration ceremonies to honor the nation's fallen soldiers, the profound significance of the somber holiday also makes it a key target for a potential terrorist attack.
In 2015, an 18-year-old hatched a plot to drive a vehicle through an ANZAC Day crowd in Melbourne and attacked police officers with a knife.
However, intelligence services were able to foil the plan a few days ago and the man was eventually sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Despite the heightened tension for this year's ANZAC Day events, authorities are adamant they're not aware of any specific threats.
