Sydney Bondi Beach terror attack: Reports say attacker was Indian national, not Pakistani; ISIS angle under probe
Investigators believe the father-son duo spent nearly a month planning the attack before returning to Australia
PTC Web Desk: A major revelation has emerged in the investigation into the deadly terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on December 14, which targeted members of the Jewish community. According to a report by US-based news network CNN, the main attacker was an Indian national, contradicting earlier media claims that suggested he was Pakistani.
CNN reported that authorities in the Philippines have confirmed that the suspect, Sajid Akram, travelled to the country with his son, Naveed, on November 1. During the trip, Sajid reportedly used an Indian passport, while his son entered the Philippines on an Australian passport. Investigators believe the father-son duo spent nearly a month planning the attack before returning to Australia.
Philippines Bureau of Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval told CNN that Sajid Akram was residing in Australia but remained an Indian citizen, as evidenced by his Indian passport used for international travel. Officials further revealed that the two had visited Davao City in the southern Philippines, located on the island of Mindanao. The region has long been associated with Islamist militant groups and insurgent movements.
Security agencies suspect a possible connection with the Islamic State (ISIS) after two ISIS flags were recovered from the attackers’ vehicle. CNN also stated that it had sought a response from India’s Ministry of External Affairs regarding the claims, but no official comment had been received so far.
The terror attack left at least 15 persons dead and over 40 injured. One of the attackers was also killed during the incident. Among the injured were three Indian students, with at least two of them currently undergoing treatment in hospital.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said preliminary findings suggest that the attackers were influenced by extremist ISIS ideology. Speaking at a Jewish community event in Sydney, Albanese acknowledged that radical interpretations of Islam continue to pose a serious global security challenge.
The police revealed that the 50-year-old suspect, Sajid Akram, used a licensed firearm during the attack. New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon stated that Akram was a registered gun club member and legally owned six firearms under state law. Authorities said the father and son had told family members they were going fishing before carrying out the attack.
Following the incident, Prime Minister Albanese visited St George Hospital and met Ahmed Al Ahmed, who has been hailed as an Australian hero. Unarmed, Ahmed confronted the attacker, ambushed him from behind, and wrested the rifle away, allowing several people to escape. The Prime Minister praised his bravery, calling him a “true Australian hero.”
At the time of the shooting, members of the Jewish community were celebrating the Hanukkah festival at Bondi Beach. In the aftermath of the attack, Hanukkah celebrations scheduled in Melbourne were cancelled, and security was tightened at religious sites across Australia.