The Islamic State (ISIS) has finally broken its silence regarding the horrific mass shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach last month. In a statement released on Thursday, the terrorist group praised the attack that resulted in the deaths of 15 people and left at least 40 others injured.
ISIS Praise and Investigation Findings
In an article published on its official Telegram channel, the Islamic State described the killing of over a dozen individuals at a Jewish Hanukkah gathering as a "source of pride". Notably, the group did not explicitly claim direct responsibility for the assault, according to a Reuters report. This development follows earlier reports that black flags linked to ISIS were discovered at the scene of the crime.
The attack, which occurred on 14 December, stands as one of the worst mass shootings in Australia's history and was swiftly classified as a terrorist act by the authorities.
Shifting Stance on Terror Links
Initially, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated there seemed to be "no evidence of collusion" between the attackers and the Islamic State. However, the official position evolved this week after investigations uncovered critical new information.
Authorities confirmed on Tuesday that both perpetrators, Sajid Akram (50) and his son Naveed (24), had travelled to the Philippine island of Mindanao. This region has been known for years to host a local branch of ISIS fighters, as reported by The Washington Post.
Following this revelation, PM Albanese suggested the shooting was likely inspired by the terrorist organisation. "It would appear that there is evidence that this was inspired by a terrorist organization, by ISIS," Albanese stated on Tuesday.
Current Status of the Case and Charges
While the older shooter, Sajid Akram, was killed in a police confrontation, his son Naveed survived with injuries. Naveed Akram was arrested immediately after emerging from a coma.
He now faces a staggering number of charges related to the Bondi Beach terror attack. As per the ABC network, the 24-year-old has been charged with 15 counts of murder and one terrorism charge, alongside multiple other offences connected to the attack on the Hanukkah celebration. In total, Naveed Akram is facing 59 separate criminal offences.
The investigation continues as authorities work to fully understand the extent of the attackers' connections and motivations behind the devastating attack that has shaken Australia's Jewish community and the nation at large.
