Australia sends spies to Turkey amid terror fears

The ceremony remembers the Anzac forces who fought a bloody battle on the Gallipoli peninsula in 1915. Photo / AP

Australia has sent special forces and intelligence agents to Turkey as part of security measures for the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Gallipoli.

The Daily Telegraph in Sydney reported that the Australian Government had increased security amid fears that the ceremony at Anzac Cove could be targeted by terrorists.

It said officers from ASIO, ASIS and Australian Federal Police were working with counter-terrorism officials in Turkey. An intelligence source denied that Australian spies would be "running around their country without them knowing".

Turkish authorities have made efforts to reassure the thousands of New Zealanders and Australians expected to travel to Anzac Cove for the April 25 service.

Ahmet Cinar, the region's governor, said it was "one of the most secure places in the world", and that Turkey's strong stance against terrorism would protect it from such an attack.

Security will be tight as world leaders and royalty, including Prince Charles and Prince Harry, descend on the province to mark the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.

"Clearly, we don't expect [an attack]," Mr Cinar said. "Canakkale is, both in Turkey and in the world, one of the most secure places.

"Turkey's security units have a lot of experience in information collation, information gathering, and the security issues. There is enormous experience in the security units of Turkey. Everything is very carefully thought of and very carefully planned."

Authorities in the area had experience from previous years, and similar security measures would be in place.

"Security-wise, all kinds of precautions, all kind of measures have been taken," he said. "There won't be any risk."

There are fears that commitments by Australia and New Zealand to send troops to Iraq to help in the fight against Isis have increased the threat of terrorist attacks against Australian and New Zealand travellers.