Sydney: Three men have been charged after Sydney police intercepted an alleged organized crime assassination attempt in the city's southwest on Tuesday afternoon, police said on Wednesday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, detectives from a strike force targeting organized crime were conducting a routine surveillance operation in southwest Sydney on Tuesday when they identified the three men mobilizing to carry out an offense. Police in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) detailed the operation and subsequent arrests.

Tactical operations officers, the dog squad, and aerial resources were deployed. Two vehicles were subsequently stopped, resulting in the arrest of the three men in Revesby, approximately 20 km southwest of central Sydney, around 3:50 p.m. local time.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Scott Cook stated that it would be alleged in court that the men, aged 18, 19, and 26, were en route to execute a planned killing near a childcare center. During a search of the cars, authorities found and seized two firearms, balaclavas, body-worn cameras, and canisters containing fuel. A third firearm was recovered during further searches of vehicles and premises linked to the men.

The two younger individuals were charged with conspiracy to commit murder, possessing an unauthorized pistol, and participating in a criminal group. The 26-year-old was charged with conspiracy to commit murder and participating in a criminal group. NSW Police confirmed that investigations were ongoing.