An alleged terror plot in Sydney has been uncovered by NSW police and the Australian Federal Police.

Three men have been arrested in the NSW Joint Counter-Terrorism (JCTT) investigation targeting a group of people alleged to support the Islamic State terrorist group.

The men – aged 20, 23, and 30 – are expected to be charged with criminal offences on Tuesday.

It comes after a 12-month joint investigation by the Australian Federal Police and NSW Police.

Addressing the media, AFP Assistant Commissioner Ian McCartney said police stations, embassies, courts and churches were among the targets.

“There are still those people in the community who wish to do us harm… but I want to say that they don’t represent the Islamic faith,” Mr McCartney said.

“Their actions are criminal, they represent hatred and terror.”

The NSW JCTT conducted the raids in Sydney’s west on Tuesday overseen by the AFP, a spokesperson said earlier.

Police have executed a total of six search warrants in the city’s western suburbs.

Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing said public safety was not at risk during the investigation.

“Obviously matters of this type, public safety is paramount… obviously when talking about acts of violence.

“Public safety comes first and on this occasion, we’ve intervened early, as is often the case when it comes to matters of counterterrorism,” Mr Willing said.

Six raids were conducted at Canada Bay, Chester Hill, Greenacre, Green Valley, Ingleburn and Toongabbie.

It’s understood the operation targeted the men because of what they were posting and discussing online.