A significant operation is underway in Greater Sydney after more than 100 police officers discovered a caravan packed with explosives at a residential property in Dural.

The discovery was made on January 19 following a tip-off, with authorities indicating the explosives could have been intended for an antisemitic attack.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns described the situation as having the potential for a "mass casualty event" during a press conference on Wednesday. He emphasized that there would be "absolutely no tolerance" for acts of criminal violence targeting any community.

NSW Deputy Police Commissioner David Hudson confirmed that individuals on the periphery of the incident have been arrested, though the threat has not been completely neutralized. He noted connections between this investigation and others under Strike Force Pearl, which deals with recent antisemitic attacks in Sydney, suggesting an escalation from minor vandalism to potentially lethal acts.

"This is certainly an escalation... with the use of explosives that have the potential to cause a great deal of damage," Hudson stated, estimating a blast radius of approximately 40 meters if detonated.

The investigation involves a joint counter-terrorism team comprising the NSW Police Force, Australian Federal Police (AFP), and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). Over the last ten days, significant progress has been made, but Hudson acknowledged that there remains "a lot to do."

The explosives, believed to be Powergel, an emulsion-based explosive typically used at mining sites, were found in a caravan that police suspect was parked in a hazardous position in Dural from December 7 to January 19. Authorities are now appealing to the public for any information regarding the caravan's presence during that period.

The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover who placed the explosives and who might have orchestrated this potentially deadly plot. (ILKHA)