ISLAMABAD – The horrific shooting incident at Bondi Beach in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, has been officially declared a terrorist attack by the police, with the death toll rising to 12, including one of the attackers. Authorities stated that the attack was planned to target Sydney’s Jewish community.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said in a news briefing that the attack occurred when over a thousand people were present at Bondi Beach, including many Jewish families celebrating the Hanukkah festival. What should have been a night of joy, peace, and religious harmony turned into an act of hatred and violence, he added.
Police Commissioner Mick Fullerton reported that 29 people were injured and taken to various hospitals, including a child. Among the injured are two police officers, both in critical condition and undergoing surgery. The commissioner noted that the ages of the deceased and injured have not yet been confirmed, and the situation continues to evolve.
Attackers and Investigation
According to the police, one of the two attackers was killed at the scene, while the other is severely injured and under police custody in the hospital. Commissioner Fullerton stated that the identities of the attackers are not being released at this stage, as authorities continue notifying the affected families.
Independent sources have identified one of the attackers as Naveed Akram, though his nationality remains unknown.
He also stated that a full investigation is underway into the possibility of a third attacker or accomplice being involved in the incident. Police also discovered explosive materials in a car near the scene, which are being linked to the attacker who was killed. The bomb disposal unit is present at Campbell Parade, Bondi, and the area is being secured.
Propaganda About the Attacker
Earlier, Indian media, Israeli media, Western media, and some social media accounts began identifying Pakistani-origin Australian citizen Naveed Akram as the attacker, who merely shares the same name as the real assailant. The purpose of this propaganda was to wrongly associate the attacker with Pakistan.
However, the physical appearance of the attacker is completely different from the person being portrayed by the media. Naveed Akram himself confirmed this on his social media accounts and urged the public to share the clarification widely. It should be noted that official sources have not yet released any name or image of the attacker.
Counter-Terrorism Investigations and Security Measures
According to the police commissioner, a major investigation will be led by the Counter-Terrorism Unit, reviewing all possible angles. The public has been urged not to believe unverified information or names circulating on social media and to allow the police to conduct their work.
Authorities have established a restricted zone around Bondi Beach and surrounding areas, and special security teams and equipment have been deployed to neutralize any suspicious explosive devices. Police stated that providing all details at this stage would be premature.
Deadliest Attack Since Gun Law Reforms
Police say this incident is the deadliest shooting in Australia since the 1996 Port Arthur attack, where 35 people were killed. Following Port Arthur, Australia implemented some of the strictest gun laws in the world, which significantly reduced mass attacks in public places. The Bondi Beach incident is considered the most serious attack since those reforms.
Prime Minister, Global, and Diplomatic Reactions
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as a systematic, hate-driven terrorist act against the Australian public, stating that such brutal violence against citizens has no place in Australia. He said the incident has left a deep wound on the nation’s heart.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also strongly condemned the attack, expressing that he is shocked and saddened by the brutal and deadly assault during a Hanukkah celebration, and that his thoughts are with the victims.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog described the Bondi attack as a heinous terrorist act, saying that the message of peace and light on the first day of Hanukkah was drowned in blood.
Pakistan’s Condemnation and Solidarity
Pakistan expressed deep sorrow over the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan is deeply saddened by this act of terrorism and expresses full solidarity with the Government of Australia, its people, and especially the injured. He added that terrorism is an unforgivable crime against humanity, and Pakistan fully understands the pain caused by such acts.
Bravery of the Citizen Who Stopped the Attacker
According to Australian media, 43-year-old Ahmed Al Ahmed risked his life to confront an attacker, seize his weapon, and play a crucial role in preventing further loss of life. Ahmed Al Ahmed, a father of two and owner of a fruit shop in Sutherland, is currently receiving treatment in the hospital. His family stated that he had no prior experience with weapons and acted spontaneously when he decided to intervene.
Police and government officials have stated that this incident will be remembered as a dark day in Australia’s modern history, while investigations continue and further details are expected to emerge in due course.
