Counter-terrorism units set up at Australian airports

New counter-terrorism units have been set up at Australia's international airports in an effort to capture Australia-based militants joining terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced on Wednesday.

The new units have already detained one terrorist suspect, Abbott told Parliament.

"I am advised that these new units have already intercepted at least one person of interest," Abbott said.

Abbott said two new border force units began operating at Sydney and Melbourne airports last week, and a further 80 officers will be stationed at other major airports to monitor the movements of people on Australia's national security watch lists.

He said biometric screening will also be introduced soon at Australia's international airports to better identify people passing through Customs.

Abbott said at least 60 Australians were known to have gone to fight with terrorist groups in Syria and northern Iraq, including the Islamic State movement.

The government recently announced an extra 630 million Australian dollars (587.5 million U.S. dollars) for Australia's security services to tackle the threat of home-grown terrorism.