Bondi Hanukkah Attack: Gunmen Inspired by Islamic State, Had Travelled to Philippines, Say Australian Police

New Delhi Chronicle News Bureau

Sydney, December 16:

Australian police have confirmed that the two alleged gunmen behind the deadly attack on a Hanukkah event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach were inspired by Islamic State ideology and had travelled to the Philippines weeks before the shooting.

The attack, which took place on Sunday, is being investigated as an act of terrorism targeting the Jewish community and marks Australia’s worst mass shooting in nearly three decades.

Authorities said the death toll has risen to 16, including one of the attackers. Police identified the deceased gunman as 50-year-old Sajid Akram, who was shot dead by officers at the scene. His 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, alleged to have acted alongside him, remains in critical condition in hospital after being shot by police.

Trip to Philippines Under Scrutiny

Australian Federal Police revealed that both men travelled to the Philippines last month, with the purpose of the visit now under investigation. Philippine immigration officials confirmed that the pair arrived in Manila on November 1, travelled onward to Davao in the country’s south, and departed on November 28 — just weeks before the Bondi attack.

Officials said the father travelled on an Indian passport, while the son held an Australian passport. Authorities added that there is no conclusive evidence yet to establish whether the two had direct links to any terrorist group or received training during their stay.

Islamic State-linked networks have previously operated in parts of southern Philippines, particularly in Mindanao, though their influence has significantly weakened since the 2017 Marawi siege.

“Early indications point to a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State, allegedly carried out by a father and son,” Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said, stressing that the incident should not be linked to any religion. “These are the alleged actions of individuals aligned with a terrorist organisation.”

Explosives, ISIS Symbols Recovered

Police said a vehicle registered to the younger suspect contained improvised explosive devices and two homemade flags associated with ISIS, a militant group designated as a terrorist organisation by Australia and several other countries.

Investigators believe the attackers opened fire on hundreds of people attending the festival during a 10-minute rampage, triggering panic at one of Australia’s most popular tourist locations before police intervened.

Videos circulating online show the younger suspect preaching Islam at suburban Sydney train stations in the past. Authorities are now examining his path to radicalisation.

Community in Mourning

At least 25 injured survivors are being treated at hospitals across Sydney. Victims of the attack include a rabbi, a Holocaust survivor, and a 10-year-old girl.

Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon visited Bondi on Tuesday, laying flowers at a temporary memorial and calling on the Australian government to ensure stronger protection for the Jewish community.

“Only Australians of Jewish faith are forced to worship behind closed doors, surrounded by CCTV and security guards,” Maimon said, urging decisive action to guarantee their safety.