Authorities in Australia have disclosed that the father-son pair implicated in the alarming anti-Semitic attack near Bondi Beach, Sydney, recently traveled to the Philippines. This incident, which took place during a Hanukkah celebration, involved suspects Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, who opened fire on the crowd.
A report indicates that only two police officers were present at the event during the shooting. The gruesome attack resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals, including a young girl and an elderly Holocaust survivor, deeply affecting Sydney’s Jewish community.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon mentioned that the father and son were in the Philippines in November, suggesting investigations are underway to determine the purpose and details of their trip.
Evidence found in a vehicle linked to one of the suspects included an improvised explosive device and two handmade ISIS flags. Furthermore, police are exploring potential ties to extremist training and groups in the Philippines, particularly in regions known for Islamic militancy.
The suspects spent the entire month of November in the Philippines. The southern area, which includes Mindanao, is recognized for being a hub for Islamic separatist factions that have pledged allegiance to ISIS.
Sajid Akram, originally from Hyderabad, India, moved to Australia in 1998 and held Indian nationality. His son Naveed, born in Australia, is an Australian citizen. Interestingly, Naveed had been previously investigated for alleged ties to a Sydney-based terror cell.
Reports indicate that Naveed had connections to a jihadist figure known for promoting anti-Semitic sentiments and extremism, although authorities later claimed he was not viewed as a threat.
Malcolm Turnbull, former Prime Minister of Australia, commented on the situation, emphasizing the challenge of monitoring such threats effectively. He raised concerns over why a man with known ties to extremism was allowed to possess firearms and questioned whether data from various agencies were being coordinated properly.
Currently, over 25 individuals injured in the shooting are receiving treatment across various hospitals in Sydney.
