Police Get High-Powered Rifles to Face Terrorism Threat in Sydney

Members of the New South Wales (NSW) state riot squad police carry Colt M4 semi-automatic rifles which are now being used during large gatherings over the holidays as part of an increase in security against terrorism. William West/AFP/Getty Images

Sydneysiders will soon see elite police armed with powerful assault rifles on the streets in a move that officials say is to deal with the threat of terrorism.

Nearly 50 specialist police officers in the state of New South Wales (NSW) are now armed with Colt M4 semi-automatic rifles, said the NSW police in a statement. NSW is Australia’s most populous state.