Another Sydney anti-terror raid but no arrests

SYDNEY - Police raided another south western Sydney house overnight as part in the ongoing national operation to avert a large-scale terrorist attack.

But no arrests were made in the latest raid at Revesby about 9pm (11pm NZT) yesterday, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said.

Seventeen terrorism suspects were arrested and chemicals and weapons seized in a string of simultaneous raids by AFP, NSW and Victoria police in Sydney and Melbourne yesterday.

In the latest raid, about 20 AFP agents, including forensic investigators, surrounded a home in Revesby before entering with brown exhibit bags.

They were also seen photographing the front yard and rooms inside, and taking forensic samples.

Neighbours lined their front porches and surrounding backyards to watch the raids.

One resident told AAP the family who lived in the house - a young couple and their two children, both aged two years and under - kept to themselves.

"They don't come out, they're always away," the neighbour said.

An AFP spokesman today said no one was arrested or removed from the home during the raid.

Nine men faced Melbourne Magistrate's Court yesterday charged with being members of a terrorist organisation between July 2004 and November 2005.

The court was told the men formed a group which intended to carry out a jihad or holy war to kill "innocent men and women in Australia".

Seven did not apply for bail and were remanded in custody until January 31, while two others sought bail.

A decision on their applications will be made today.

In Sydney's Central Local Court, seven men were remanded in custody yesterday to appear on Friday.

The seven were charged with conspiring to manufacture explosives in preparation for a terror attack.

An eighth suspect was shot yesterday after opening fire on police and is today in a stable condition in Liverpool hospital.

It remains unclear what charges he faces.

- AAP