Australian Prime Minsiter Tony Abbott announced Friday the country's terror threat level will be raised to 'high' for the first time.

Abbot stressed the move does not indicate an imminent attack.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER TONY ABBOTT SAYING:

"Last night the director general of security, ASIO (Australian Security Intelligence Organisation) head David Irvine, raised the terror threat to high, consequently today the government is raising the public alert level to high. I want to stress that this does not mean that a terror attack is imminent. We have no specific intelligence of particular plots. What we do have is intelligence that there are people with the intent and capability to mount attacks."

The announcement comes after Australian police arrested two men earlier this week suspected of helping Australian citizens fight alongside militants in Syria on terrorism-related charges.

Officials say at least 20 people have returned to Austra