US consulate in Melbourne warns terror attack in Australia 'likely'

The U.S. Consulate in Melbourne has warned its citizens in the country to be on high alert as a terror attack on Australian soil was "likely."

The consulate said that due to the nature of the ongoing threat, it was compelling its citizens to maintain "a high level of vigilance" and to "take appropriate steps" to enhance their personal security, reported News.com.au.

This is the first time this century that such a warning has been issued by the consulate. It reflected the heightened security level of the Australian government.

The warning came after a number of terror related arrests were made in the state.