URGENT UPDATE: Just weeks before the deadly Bondi Beach massacre, father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram underwent military-style training with a terrorist group in the Philippines, authorities confirm. The shocking revelation comes as investigators probe their ties to an international jihadist network following the horrific attack that left 15 people dead during a Hanukkah celebration.
The Akrams traveled to the Philippines from Sydney on November 1 and returned on November 28, according to a Bureau of Immigration spokesperson. The region has a notorious history as a hub for Islamist militants, including the violent group Abu Sayyaf. Reports indicate that Sajid, 50, used an Indian passport, while 24-year-old Naveed flew on his Australian passport.
Authorities report that the pair’s training coincided with a significant surge in extremist activities in southern Mindanao, a known stronghold for terrorist camps. Investigators are now examining their movements, which included flights from Davao to Manila before returning to Australia.
Police allege that Naveed and Sajid opened fire on a crowd celebrating the first night of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach, a tragic incident that marks Australia’s second-worst mass shooting since Port Arthur in 1996. The attack has sent shockwaves across the nation and raised urgent questions about national security.
Previous reports indicated that Naveed Akram maintained connections with Australia’s pro-Islamic State (IS) network, including known jihadist figures like Wisam Haddad and convicted recruiter Youssef Uweinat. A senior counter-terrorism official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that an IS-style flag was found in the Akrams’ vehicle, intensifying concerns over their extremist affiliations.
Naveed had previously been monitored by Australia’s national spy agency, ASIO, following the arrest of another IS operative in July 2019. Despite initial findings showing no evidence of radicalization, investigators now suspect that both father and son pledged allegiance to IS before executing the attack.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke defended ASIO’s past investigations, stating, “Our agencies could not have done more.” He acknowledged that circumstances have changed significantly since then, emphasizing the growing threat of extremism.
Additionally, disturbing footage has surfaced showing Naveed preaching radical Islamic ideology on the streets of Sydney six years ago, warning audiences of dire consequences if they fail to adhere to strict religious observance. This revelation adds an unsettling layer to the already troubling profile of the perpetrators.
As authorities continue to unravel the connections between the Akrams and extremist networks, Naveed remains hospitalized under police guard and is expected to face serious criminal charges. Meanwhile, his father was shot dead by police at the scene, leaving a haunting aftermath for the families affected by this tragedy.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. The nation grapples with the implications of this attack, and the urgency for enhanced security measures is more pressing than ever.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
