As the investigation is progressing after the horrific terrorist attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, layers related to this murder are being revealed. The death of 16 people in this shooting during the Jewish festival Hanukkah celebration has made Australia face one of its most horrific terrorist incidents till date. This attack is now officially being considered a terrorist attack and there is also suspicion of an international conspiracy behind it. Let us know about the important questions related to this attack.
Who are the attackers?
Both the attackers are father and son. Navid Akram (24) and his father Sajid Akram, 50, were attacked. He is a Pakistani citizen. Sajid died on the spot. Navid Akram is admitted to the hospital in a critical condition. Following the incident, police raided his home in Sydney’s western suburb Bonnyrigg, the area was sealed and heavy police force was deployed.
What did the attacker’s mother say?
The biggest discussion in this entire matter started when the mother of the accused, Verena, came in front of the media and called her son a ‘good boy’. He claimed that Navid neither possessed weapons, nor consumed drugs nor was in any bad company. According to Verena, her son was mostly limited to work, home and exercise most of the time. He said, ‘He did not hang out, did not meet friends. He would go to work, return home and that was it. Any mother wants such a son. This statement of the mother seems to be completely contrary to the claims of the investigating agencies.
Terrorist network is being investigated
Investigation has revealed that Navid Akram had completed religious education from an Islamic center in Australia in 2022. After this, security agencies are trying to find out whether he had any connection with the radical network. Al-Murad Islamic Institute, where he studied, has declined to comment on the matter. Australian authorities have not publicly confirmed any foreign involvement. However, according to Israeli media reports, Israeli officials consider Iran as the main suspect. They are also investigating possible links to any government or terrorist organizations like Hezbollah, Hamas and Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Why is Israel suspicious of Iran?
This attack is also being linked to the increasing tension between Australia and Iran. According to the Telegraph report, Israeli intelligence sources claim that in recent months Iran has intensified efforts to attack Jewish and Israeli targets around the world. Recently, Australia declared Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) a terrorist organization and the Iranian ambassador was expelled from the country. After this attack, there have also been reports of some pro-Iran accounts praising the attack on social media, which has further increased the concern of the investigating agencies. However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the Sydney attack on Sunday.
What did the Australian Prime Minister say?
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, ‘Yesterday was a dark day in the history of our nation. But we are stronger than the cowards who did this. We will not let them divide us. Australia will never bow to division, violence or hatred and together we will come out of this crisis.
Important questions related to Australia attack
When and where did the attack happen in Bondi Beach?
The attack took place at around 6:40 pm local time on Sunday evening in the Bondi Beach area of Sydney. Hanukkah celebrations were going on here.
How many people died in this attack?
16 people have died in this terrorist attack. A child is also included in these.
Who are the accused in the Bondi Beach attack?
The accused in the attack are Naveed Akram (24) and his father Sajid Akram. Sajid Akram was killed.
How was Sajid Akram killed?
Navid Akram’s father, who was 50 years old and ran a fruit shop, was killed by police firing.
Was the accused’s family aware of the attack?
The family was told that the father and son had gone fishing to Jervis Bay, which is 200 km from Sydney.
Is this attack being considered a terrorist attack?
Yes, the Australian police is investigating this incident as a terrorist attack.
Was this attack targeting the Jewish community?
Yes, the attack took place during Hanukkah celebrations and has been described as one of the deadliest attacks on Jews in Australian history.
Were any Israeli civilians also killed in this attack?
Yes, Israel’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed that an Israeli citizen is also among those killed.
