Australian intelligence agencies had numerous reports about imminent terrorist operations but misread the signs and failed to predict the 2002 Bali attacks. The final of a two-part Herald series on targeting terrorism found that although Australians have been told repeatedly that no “specific” intelligence on Bali was available before October 12, dozens of reports by ASIO and the Office of National Assessments (ONA) warned of rising agitation in the region. However, the intelligence agencies did not pass on just how detailed the internal warnings had become and the accompanying sense of foreboding. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade warned tourists of the “high” risk of travelling in South-East Asia throughout 2002 and the advisories were regularly updated. But Bali was never singled out, on the basis of sheer tourist numbers alone, for a separate threat assessment. Full Story
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