Terror crackdown in Sydney suburbs leads to new charges

A man accused of planning a terror attack in Australia has today had fresh charges laid against him. 

It came as police carried out more raids in Sydney in connection with the long-running investigation.

In total, five residences were raided in Marsfield, Regents Park, Wiley Park, Condell Park and Georges Hall.

Despite the disturbing similarities to Monday's siege, police were keen to stress that these raids have no connection.  

Rather, this is round 3 of Operation Appleby, a follow-up to Australia's biggest anti-terror operation.

As part of the investigation, Omarjan Azari fronted court on fresh terror charges today.

The 22-year-old was arrested in the September raids. Today he was also accused of attempting to fund an extremist organisation. 

His lawyers were scathing of reports over the nature and location of the alleged plot. 

Azari will return to court in February.

Meanwhile, Maywand Osman today returned to his Marsfield unit after it was searched overnight.

Officers from a joint Federal and NSW Police taskforce methodically examined his home until early this morning, focusing their attentions on a garage. 

Osman was questioned by police and later released without charge.