Aussie govt. lists Syrian opposition group as terrorist organization

A Syrian opposition group, Jabhat al-Nusra has been reportedly listed as a terrorist organization by the Australian government.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Jabhat-al-Nusra was allegedly was supplied with weapons, recruits and equipment by al-Qaeda in Iraq.

Attorney General Mark Dreyfus used the country's anti-terrorism laws against the group and such a listing makes it illegal to be a member of or recruit members to the group, or receive training from the recognized Syrian opposition movement.

Drefyus said that the group has a history of suicide attacks and bombings in Syria, and was not part of the recognized Syrian opposition movement adding that the decision was taken after careful consideration of advice from security agencies for the purposes of the Criminal Code.

The Australian government's listing of any group as a terrorist organization makes it an offence to give funds or to get funds from Jabhat al-Nusra, with those found guilty facing up to 25 years in jail, the report added.