An important new revelation has come to light during the investigation of the Bondi terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community in Australia. The Philippines government has claimed that the father and son accused of this attack had traveled to the Philippines on Indian passports a few weeks before the attack. After this revelation, the concern of Australian investigating agencies has increased further.

According to the report of Sydney Morning Herald, 24-year-old Navid Akram, accused of the attack, and his 50-year-old father Sajid Akram had recently gone to the Philippines. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is now trying to find out whether this trip was for general tourism or the motive behind it was to contact some suspicious network. The investigating agencies are also investigating where both of them stayed in the Philippines, who they met and what were their activities there.

ISIS related flag

What makes this matter more serious is the fact that after the Bondi Beach attack, a flag belonging to Islamic State (ISIS) and some explosive material was recovered from the car of the accused. For this reason, the focus of the investigation is now on whether the attack is related to terrorist organizations like Islamic State East Asia (ISEA).

Direct connection with terrorist organization not confirmed

Although Australian authorities have not yet confirmed direct links to any terrorist organization, official documents acknowledge that some Australian citizens have had previous contacts with radical groups operating in South-East Asia. The Philippines has long been considered a sensitive area for extremist activities, where terrorist groups like Abu Sayyaf and ISIS-inspired organizations have been active.

Number of people of Filipino origin

The visit of Navid and Sajid Akram to Philippines is being seen as a very important link in the matter related to the terrorist attack. The investigating agencies are now conducting a thorough forensic investigation of their digital activities, bank transactions, mobile data and international contacts. Besides, cooperation is also being taken from international intelligence agencies in this entire matter. It is noteworthy that about 86 thousand people of Filipino origin live in Sydney, who are one of the largest migrant communities there. In such a situation, this investigation is being considered very important for the security of not only Australia but the entire region.

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So far 16 people have died in the shooting in Sydney, New South Wales state of Australia. Hanukkah celebrations were being organized on Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday (14 December). During this time in the evening two attackers started firing. According to AP report, the perpetrators of this terrorist incident were a father and son, one of whom died on the spot.

International politics has also heated up after this attack. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused the government of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of promoting anti-Semitism. Netanyahu said that decisions like recognition of the Palestinian state incite anti-Semitism and it is necessary to take a tough stance against global anti-Semitism. Security agencies in Australia are on high alert and a comprehensive investigation is going on from the terrorist angle of the case.

Father and son together targeted Jews

Australian investigative agencies have started investigating the background of the accused. The attackers involved in the shooting have been identified as father and son. The 50-year-old father died on the spot, while his 24-year-old son was admitted to the hospital in critical condition. He is also in police custody. This attack was carried out targeting the celebration of the Jewish festival Hanukkah, in which 16 people were killed, while 42 people were injured.

What eyewitnesses told about the shooting in Sydney

Pakistan connection of Sydney attack has come to light. Australia’s investigative agencies are also very serious about this. The important thing is that the father and son involved in the attack have been identified as of Pakistani origin. According to the BBC report, an eyewitness, Marcos Carvalho, said, ‘The sound of the bullets sounded like firecrackers. I can’t even dream that there could be a shooting in Bondi. I started running after hearing the sound of gunshots.