Australian federal police are investigating an overseas trip taken by the alleged perpetrators of last month’s deadly shooting at Bondi Beach, as new evidence suggests possible foreign training and militant ideological motivation.
Manila authorities have confirmed to the BBC that two individuals, identified in Australian media as Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24, traveled to the Philippines between November 1 and 28. Philippine officials are examining reports that the pair underwent “military-style training” during their stay.
Sajid Akram entered using an Indian passport, while Naveed Akram traveled on an Australian passport, according to Philippine immigration records.
In related developments, Australian police revealed they had discovered “homemade” Islamic State group flags and components for improvised explosive devices (IEDs) inside a vehicle used by the gunmen in Sydney.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated on Wednesday that the attack, which left fifteen people dead and dozens injured now “appears to have been motivated by Islamic State ideology.”
The attack, one of Australia’s deadliest in recent years, claimed the lives of a diverse group of civilians, including:
– A 10-year-old girl
– A British-born rabbi
– A retired police officer
– A Holocaust survivor
Twenty-four people remain hospitalized in the wake of the violence, with three in critical condition and another five listed as critical but stable.
The investigation now spans multiple countries, with Australian authorities working closely with counterparts in the Philippines and likely other nations to determine the extent of any overseas training, contacts, or ideological coordination.
