ISIS Praises Sydney’s Bondi Beach Terror Attack as a “Source of Pride”

A deadly shooting at a Sydney beach gathering has been claimed as inspiration by the Islamic State. The terrorist group broke its silence on the December 14 attack. It called the violence a “source of pride” in a new statement.

Australian authorities had already labeled the Bondi Beach shooting a terror attack. They confirmed finding black IS flags at the scene. The statement provides a grim new dimension to one of Australia’s worst mass shootings.

Investigation Links Shooters to Terrorist Hotbed

The attack killed fifteen people. At least forty others were injured. It happened at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach.

Police identified the two gunmen as Sajid Akram and his son, Naveed. Sajid was killed in a shootout with police. His son was arrested after waking from a coma.

According to Reuters, the Islamic State’s statement did not formally claim responsibility. It did, however, praise the killings. This aligns with evidence found by investigators.

Authorities discovered the father and son had traveled to Mindanao in the Philippines. This region is known as a stronghold for IS-linked fighters. The Washington Post reported on this connection.

Shifting Official Stance on Terror Link

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese initially downplayed a direct ISIS link. He said there was “no evidence of collusion.” That position changed as the investigation progressed.

The discovery of the Philippines trip and the black flags shifted the narrative. Albanese later stated the attack was likely inspired by ISIS. This confirmation came from official police findings.

The elder shooter, Sajid Akram, legally owned multiple firearms. Reports from ABC indicate he had six registered weapons. He had emigrated from Hyderabad, India, decades earlier.

His son, Naveed Akram, now faces 59 criminal charges. These include 15 counts of murder and a terrorism offense. His case is proceeding through the Australian courts.

The Bondi Beach terror attack has reshaped Australia’s security landscape. The explicit praise from ISIS underscores the global nature of the threat. Authorities remain vigilant as the complex investigation continues.

Info at your fingertips

Has ISIS claimed responsibility for the Bondi attack?

ISIS has not formally claimed responsibility. The group published a statement calling the attack a “source of pride.” This is seen as an endorsement and inspiration claim.

What evidence links the shooters to terrorism?

Police found black Islamic State flags at the crime scene. The two gunmen also traveled to a known ISIS affiliate region in the Philippines. This travel history is a key part of the investigation.

How many people were hurt in the Bondi Beach shooting?

The attack resulted in 15 fatalities. At least 40 other people were injured. It is one of the deadliest mass shootings in Australian history.

What are the charges against the surviving shooter?

Naveed Akram faces 59 charges. The most serious are 15 counts of murder and a terrorism-related charge. The other charges relate to the violent act itself.

Was the attack targeted at a specific group?

Yes. The shooting targeted a Jewish community gathering for Hanukkah. The event was being held on Bondi Beach in Sydney.

Is there an ongoing terror threat in Australia?

Australian authorities have not issued a new, broad terror alert. They continue to investigate this specific attack. Security remains heightened around community events.