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The investigation into the deadly shooting rampage at Sydney’s Bondi Beach has rapidly expanded its scope, with Australian authorities contacting their counterparts in India to establish the background and ideological trajectory of the attackers.
The incident, which reportedly resulted in 16 fatalities, was carried out by a father-and-son duo. The alleged primary aggressor, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, was killed at the scene, while his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital, reportedly regaining consciousness after initial reports placed him in a coma.
### International Nexus and Radicalization
The focus of the international inquiry centers on the origins of Sajid Akram, who Australian officials confirmed arrived in the country on a student visa in 1998, with his son Naveed being born in Australia. While Australian authorities have not yet formally confirmed Sajid Akram’s country of origin, Indian media sources are reporting that he hailed from Hyderabad in the Indian state of Telangana.
In light of this development, Australian security agencies have reached out to Indian intelligence for comprehensive cooperation regarding the attackers’ history. Indian authorities have reportedly assured Australia of their full support in the ongoing investigation.
Alarmingly, the younger assailant, Naveed Akram, was previously flagged by authorities in 2019 on suspicion of maintaining contact with individuals linked to the militant group ISIS. However, following that investigation, he was subsequently deemed non-hazardous and was not placed on any counter-terrorism watch list, according to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
### Evidence Suggests Ideological Motivation
Despite the attackers not being linked to an organized terrorist cell, Prime Minister Albanese dismissed the possibility of involvement by a known extremist group, suggesting instead that the two armed men acted alone, motivated by deeply radicalized ideologies.
This finding aligns with evidence recovered from the attackers’ vehicle at the scene, which reportedly included two flags belonging to ISIS, as well as an improvised explosive device (IED). The discovery has led New South Wales police commissioners to confirm that the investigation is treating the incident as a matter of domestic terror influenced by extremist thought.
### Heroic Intervention Amidst Tragedy
The severity of the incident was mitigated by the extraordinary bravery of a civilian, identified as Ahmed Al Ahmed, who intervened during the attack, which reportedly took place near a Jewish gathering. Witnesses and police credit Al Ahmed’s actions with saving dozens of innocent lives.
Prime Minister Albanese visited Al Ahmed in the hospital, recognizing his heroism. However, reports indicate that Al Ahmed is in serious condition, and doctors fear he may lose his left arm due to the injuries sustained while confronting the attackers.
The investigation remains active, with authorities prioritizing a detailed analysis of the attackers’ communications, travel, and personal histories to fully understand the planning and motivations behind the catastrophic Sydney incident.
