Australia’s Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull gives terror warning at Asean summit

Australia will offer more help to South East Asian states to prevent terror attacks across the area.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is set to discuss security at the Asean summit in Laos with other leaders.

Mr Turnbull has signalled he would like to enlarge Australia’s counter terrorism arrangements with

Indonesia, Malaysia and other neighbouring nations.

It comes after the so called Islamic State threatened “lone wolf” attacks in Sydney and Melbourne.

Mr Turnbull said that this type of threat should be taken seriously after IS endured losses on battlefields in Iraq and Syria.

“As it is rolled back, as its territory is being taken back – it will resort to terrorist activities outside of the Middle East,” he said.

“But we do have to be very alert to the actions of these lone actors – individuals who … for a variety of reasons, may be radicalised.”

Mr Turnbull named the 2002 Bali bombings as a good example of the risk presented to the region. The attacks killed 202 people including 88 Australians and 27 Britons.

“When there is terrorist activity in our region, very often, almost invariably in a large-scale attack, Australians can be put at risk and have, indeed, lost their lives,” he said.

“We’re all in it together, it’s got to be a very strong full-court press against terrorism. We’re committed to that and I’m looking forward to some very candid and constructive discussions over the next few days.”