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الوسم: attack

  • Five Ships Attacked in Gulf and Hormuz Strait Amid Rising Maritime Conflicts

    Five Ships Attacked in Gulf and Hormuz Strait Amid Rising Maritime Conflicts

    A Thailand-flagged cargo ship, Mayuree Naree, was engulfed in black smoke in the Strait of Hormuz on March 11, 2026.— Reuters

    – Iranian armed boats attacked two tankers in Iraqi waters.
    – A Thailand-flagged bulk carrier was damaged off the coast of Oman.
    – Most crew members have been evacuated; three are missing.

    Iranian boats reportedly launched explosives at two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters, igniting fires and resulting in one crew member’s death on Wednesday. The attacks, which involved projectiles hitting three vessels in the Gulf, indicate a rise in hostilities between Iran and US-Israeli forces, bringing the total number of targeted ships in the region to at least 16 since fighting escalated.

    Shipping traffic in the Gulf and through the narrow Strait of Hormuz—responsible for about 20% of the world’s oil—has nearly halted since the U.S. and Israel initiated strikes against Iran on February 28, driving global oil prices to their highest point since 2022.

    The ships targeted in late-night attacks near Iraq include the Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu and Zefyros, both of which had loaded fuel cargoes in Iraq, according to Iraqi port officials. “We recovered the body of a foreign crew member from the water,” said one security official. Iraqi rescue teams are still searching for other missing crew members, though it’s unclear which ship the body belonged to.

    Safesea Transport Group and Safesea Group, the U.S.-based operators of Safesea Vishnu, did not respond immediately to inquiries. Zefyros is flagged in Malta, and its crew list was provided by an Iraqi port source. Lloyd’s List Intelligence confirms that Zefyros Trading SA owns the vessel, with UK-based Cygnus Tankers Limited serving as the commercial operator and the George & Vassilis Michael family group of Greek shipowners as the beneficial owner. Cygnus Tankers did not comment, nor could the other parties be reached right away.

    Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have issued warnings that any vessel crossing the Strait of Hormuz may be targeted. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to escalate attacks on Iran if it continues to impede the strait.

    Earlier on Wednesday, the Thai-flagged dry bulk vessel Mayuree Naree was hit by two unidentified projectiles in the strait, igniting a fire and damaging its engine room. The Thai operator, Precious Shipping, reported three crew members missing, presumed trapped in the engine room. The remaining 20 crew members were safely evacuated to Oman. Images from the Thai navy show thick smoke billowing from the ship’s stern.

    The Guards claimed the vessel was “fired upon by Iranian fighters,” marking what appears to be their first direct engagement, although previously they have used missiles and drones.

    The U.S. Navy has declined daily requests from shippers for military escorts through the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict with Iran began, citing the high risk of attacks. President Trump has stated that the U.S. is prepared to provide escorts if needed.

    Two other ships have sustained minor damage:
    – The Japan-flagged container ship ONE Majesty was hit 25 nautical miles northwest of Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE, suffering minor hull damage above the waterline. Its crew is safe, and the vessel remains operational. Its owner, Mitsui OSK Lines, and the charterer, Ocean Network Express, are investigating the cause.
    – A bulk carrier, Star Gwyneth, flagged in the Marshall Islands, was hit around 50 miles northwest of Dubai. The hull was damaged, but the crew was unharmed, and the vessel continued to operate after the incident.

    The Iranian Guards also referenced another vessel hit by projectiles, likely drones, earlier that morning. Confirmation of this report remains pending.

  • Lawyers for Bondi Beach Shooting Suspect Request Gag Order to Shield Family

    Lawyers for Bondi Beach Shooting Suspect Request Gag Order to Shield Family

    Two individuals embrace beneath police officers standing guard outside Bondi Pavilion after an attack on a Jewish holiday celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on December 15, 2025. — Reuters

    Lawyers representing a man accused of a fatal shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney requested a court order Monday to prevent media outlets from naming his family, citing safety concerns.

    Authorities claim 24-year-old Naveed Akram opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration on December 14, resulting in 15 deaths, marking Australia’s most severe mass shooting in recent history.

    His father, Sajid Akram, who is also accused of involvement in the attack, was shot and killed by police at the scene.

    Police allege that both men were motivated by Daesh, using multiple high-powered firearms that Sajid Akram had legally obtained, to carry out the assault.

    Naveed Akram’s legal team sought a court order in Sydney to keep his mother, brother, and sister’s names, along with their residence and workplaces, from being made public.

    Judge Greg Grogan extended a temporary suppression order until the following month, citing intense international media interest.

    Akram faces 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder, and a terrorism offense. He has not yet entered a plea.

    The case is scheduled to return briefly to court next week, with a more extensive hearing set for April 8, during which prosecutors will present their evidence.

    The attack stunned the nation, which is known for its strict gun control laws, and prompted renewed calls for tougher regulations and increased efforts to combat antisemitism.

    Last month, Australia launched a government-led inquiry into antisemitism and social cohesion, expected to deliver its findings by December.

    The government has already responded by tightening gun laws and passing new legislation aimed at curbing hate speech.

  • Has the Iran Conflict Transformed the Gulf Permanently?

    Has the Iran Conflict Transformed the Gulf Permanently?

    Members of the Reuters Gulf team, like many others in the region, have been forced into sheltering in stairwells and windowless bathrooms. We’ve listened to missiles being intercepted overhead while trying to comfort scared children and handle growing concerns from afar.

    We now pay closer attention to potential dangers—how a window might shatter, where to find scarce supplies like chicken or bananas, and how every minor sound, even a neighbor closing a cabinet, can make our hearts race.

    In a region with increasingly dangerous airspace closures and where the only safe escape is a long desert drive through territory under Iranian attack, we all face the same impossible decisions: to stay or to leave, and how to do so.

    Federico Maccioni, part of Reuters’ finance team based in Dubai, remarked that he’s beginning to sense some doubts about what lies ahead for the city. Meanwhile, Rachna Uppal, the agency’s chief economics correspondent in Abu Dhabi, noted how life remains remarkably normal—people are shopping, going to dental appointments, and even jet skiing.

    Reporters across the Gulf are trying to piece everything together. Iran’s drones continue relentless strikes, penetrating defenses and targeting airports, hotels, and data centers. Tourism is collapsing, business centers are frozen, and the Gulf’s decades-long development efforts now seem uncertain. This overview examines the economic impact, strategic risks, and potential lasting changes caused by this conflict.

    Gulf fundamentals

    The Gulf’s growth over the years stood on two main beliefs: its cities provided a safe refuge in a turbulent region, and its vast wealth from continuous energy exports would keep flowing. Recent events threaten to dismantle both assumptions, possibly forever.

    First, the idea of the Gulf as a safe haven has been shattered. Dubai, seen as an oasis of stability, was built on the premise that regional chaos would end at its borders. But weeks of Iranian missile and drone attacks on key points like airports and ports have exposed that illusion.

    While Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed of the UAE tried to project normality strolling through Dubai Mall, outside, flights were canceled, markets closed, and residents queued anxiously for supplies. The constant barrage of air defense interceptions has added to the fear, raising questions about whether cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh—dependent on confidence, ease of movement, and perception—can sustain their reputation as premium destinations when visibly vulnerable.

    Economic fragility and ripple effects

    The second, deeper crisis stems from economic disruption. Closing the Strait of Hormuz and halting QatarEnergy’s massive LNG operations—responsible for a fifth of global LNG—have triggered an unthinkable supply shock.

    Iraq has cut back oil production; Saudi Arabia is adjusting its crude shipments; and hundreds of tankers remain idling near Fujairah—still smoldering after an attack—unable to pass safely. Prices for oil, natural gas, and related commodities have surged.

    The Gulf’s capacity to fund diversification, major investments, and maintain its generous social contracts depends heavily on stable energy exports. That foundation is now under threat, with some damages permanent.

    What’s next?

    This conflict has exposed a broader uncertainty: what will the future relationship between the Arab Gulf and Iran look like after this? After years of tentative diplomacy, the Gulf states had started to recalibrate ties with Iran, recognizing mutual interests and geography. That fragile trust has now been shattered.

    Iran’s widespread missile and drone assaults have erased the political space previously available for dialogue. As Gulf capitals confront this new reality, they face a tough question: can they ever trust Iran again, or is this the beginning of a prolonged hostile freeze?

    The consequences are significant. The Gulf’s economic model, energy security, and regional diplomacy—constants for years—have been shaken. Even if active fighting ceases soon, this may mark the end of the era where engagement with Iran was considered manageable. A more cautious, security-focused Gulf is likely to emerge.

  • Bondi Beach Shooting Suspect Appears in Court for the First Time

    Bondi Beach Shooting Suspect Appears in Court for the First Time

    A man accused of opening fire during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach made his first court appearance Monday, according to Australian news outlets.

    Naveed Akram, 24, is charged with 59 counts related to the December 14 incident, including 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder, and a terrorism offense.

    Authorities allege he carried out the mass shooting with his father, Sajid, 50, who was killed at the scene.

    At a brief court hearing in Sydney, Akram appeared via video from Goulburn Correctional Centre, a maximum-security facility southwest of Sydney, where he is held on remand. He wore prison greens and largely remained silent, responding only to confirm he heard discussions about extending non-disclosure orders concerning the victims.

    Outside the courthouse, defense lawyer Ben Archbold stated that Akram was doing “as well as can be expected” given the challenging prison conditions. When asked about his client’s plea, Archbold said it was too soon to determine and that he hadn’t discussed the specifics of the attack with him.

    “I haven’t spoken to him about the attack in that regard,” Archbold told reporters. “We’re just beginning the process; we’re waiting for the brief to be served. That’s all I can say for now.” He added that he had visited Akram in prison.

    “He’s just a client, and he deserves proper representation. We maintain our professional obligations regardless of personal opinions. The case is adjourned, and I have nothing further to add,” the lawyer said.

    The case is scheduled to return to court in April.

  • How to Quickly Raise Team Attack & Defense in Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road

    How to Quickly Raise Team Attack & Defense in Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road

    Aside from the impressive cutscenes, Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road makes your progress more challenging by setting team Attack (AT) and Defense (DF) thresholds. These limits prevent you from rushing through the story too easily. You’ll need to think strategically and do some quick calculations if you want to optimize your team’s ratings.

    Moving at a steady pace is usually the best approach to make sure you don’t miss any opportunities. However, there are small advantages hidden in your inventory that can help you level up your AT and DF ratings faster. Here are the top methods to improve these stats quickly.

    What Are Your Attack & Defense Ratings?
    Your team’s overall strength on both attack and defense is shown in the bottom left of your Team Dock menu. These are split into two separate ratings:

    1. Team Attack (AT)
    2. Team Defense (DF)

    As you progress through the story mode, these ratings will limit your advancement. Reaching the required thresholds for AT and DF can be tough without grinding, unless you take advantage of all available ways to boost your team.

    How To Raise Your Team’s Attack And Defense
    There are several key factors that influence your team’s overall AT and DF:

    • Player Levels
    • Gear
    • The Abilearn Board

    The combined level of your players determines your team’s minimum AT and DF. To level up your players quickly, try doing the following:

    • Complete side quests
    • Play practice matches
    • Play story matches
    • Use experience (EXP) items from your inventory

    Increasing your levels is an essential first step, unlocking more features and making your team stronger.

    How To Improve Players Using The Abilearn Board
    The Abilearn Board is a valuable tool to upgrade your players. Reaching certain levels on this board grants bonus stats, which directly boost your team’s overall AT and DF. Improving your star players like Briar and Raika first can help you score goals more effectively because of their higher potential ceilings.

    To further enhance your players, you can equip them with gear. Like skill beans, gear can be auto-equipped across your team by selecting “Equip All” in the Team Dock menu, saving you time from manual adjustments.

    How To Equip Gear
    Gear can give your team important stat boosts. You should prioritize shopping for new gear as you progress into the middle of the game, ensuring you have pieces that provide meaningful bonuses based on your current level. For convenience, you can automatically equip gear to all players using the “Equip All” option.

    Keep in mind that players on the bench don’t impact your team’s AT and DF ratings. To keep improving, focus on completing side quests and finding phantom soccer balls, which provide tokens needed for gear upgrades. You won’t have to overhaul your entire squad to meet the story’s thresholds — just keep upgrading strategically.

  • One security officer killed, two injured in Aleppo suicide attack

    One security officer killed, two injured in Aleppo suicide attack

    A suicide bomber attacked a police patrol in Aleppo, resulting in one fatality and injuring two security personnel, according to a Syrian government spokesperson on Wednesday.

    Nour al-Din al-Baba, spokesperson for the Interior Ministry, stated to the state news agency Al Ekhbariya that the individual who triggered an explosive belt during the patrol is believed to have ideological or organizational ties to Islamic State (ISIS). The investigation into the attacker’s identity is still ongoing.

    The terrorist blew himself up while being searched following suspicions raised during the patrol, as reported by Ekhbariya TV, citing security sources.

    No group has claimed responsibility for the assault.

    Earlier this month, two U.S. Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed in Syria by a suspected ISIS attacker who targeted a convoy of American and Syrian forces before being shot dead.

  • Police: Bondi Beach shooting suspects acted solo

    Police: Bondi Beach shooting suspects acted solo

    A father and son accused of a mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Australia claim they acted alone and are not connected to any terrorist organization, according to police. Sajid Akram and his son Naveed reportedly killed 15 people during an attack inspired by ISIS on December 14. In the weeks prior, they traveled to the southern Philippines, raising suspicions about possible ties to extremists in a region with a history of insurgencies, but authorities say there is no evidence supporting this link.

    Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett emphasized that the suspects operated independently. “There is no indication that they were part of a larger terrorist network or directed by others,” she stated. Investigators continue to look into why the pair stayed in Davao, where surveillance footage shows them rarely leaving their modest hotel, and police stress that their presence wasn’t just for tourism.

    Images from court exhibits reveal the suspects trained with shotguns in rural Australia and recorded a video in October criticizing Zionists while in front of a ISIS flag. Sajid Akram, aged 50, was shot and killed by officers during the attack. An Indian citizen who arrived in Australia in 1998 with a visa, Sajid was the father. His 24-year-old son Naveed, born in Australia, remains in custody, charged with multiple murders and other serious crimes.

    In response, New South Wales authorities are enforcing stricter security measures, with police patrols armed with high-caliber weapons maintaining public safety. Additionally, December 31’s New Year’s Eve celebrations in Sydney will include a moment of silence at 11 p.m. to honor the victims.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a nationwide crackdown on gun ownership and hate speech, including the largest firearms buyback program since laws were tightened after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, which resulted in 35 deaths. He also ordered a review of police and intelligence operations to bolster security measures.

  • New Evidence and Photos of Bondi Beach Attackers Revealed

    New Evidence and Photos of Bondi Beach Attackers Revealed

    New court documents released Monday shed light on the investigation into Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in decades. The documents feature new images and details of Sajid and Naveed Akram, the father-and-son duo accused of opening fire during a religious festival at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 fatalities.

    The police facts sheet, provided by the NSW Courts, includes redacted images from CCTV footage showing Sajid and Naveed Akram exiting 103 Brighton Avenue in Campsie on December 14, 2025. It was also revealed that the pair underwent firearms training in what is believed to be rural New South Wales before the attack.

    A video discovered on Naveed’s phone from late October depicts the father and son practicing tactical shooting with shotguns in the countryside. Police state that the suspects were inspired by Daesh, with flags linked to theterror group recovered from their vehicle.

    While Sajid was shot and killed by police, Naveed is hospitalized recovering from gunshot wounds. He faces 59 charges, including murder and terrorism-related offenses. Police also revealed that the duo recorded a video in October condemning “Zionists,” sitting in front of a Daesh flag with multiple rifles and ammunition, explaining their motivations for the attack.

    Investigators noted that the suspects conducted a reconnaissance trip to Bondi Beach just days before the shooting. CCTV footage presented in court shows the two leaving an Airbnb in Campsie, heading towards Bondi with concealed weapons. They are also accused of throwing four improvised explosive devices into the crowd shortly before opening fire; none detonated, though three pipe bombs and a tennis ball bomb were assessed as viable.

    The federal government announced plans to overhaul gun laws and hate speech regulations, alongside a review of police and intelligence agencies. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed a comprehensive gun buyback program aimed at removing firearms from communities.

    In response to the tragedy, New South Wales recalled parliament for two days to pass what are being called “the strictest firearm reforms in the country.” New measures will limit gun ownership to four firearms per person, or ten for exceptions such as farmers. Officials estimated that the state currently holds over 1.1 million guns.

  • Australia PM vows to end hatred as Bondi Beach victim mourned

    Australia PM vows to end hatred as Bondi Beach victim mourned

    A poster of 10-year-old Matilda, who was killed in the December 14 Bondi Beach shooting, is displayed on the gate of Bondi Pavilion in Sydney on December 18, 2025 — AFP

    – Prime Minister focuses on targeting extremist preachers and hate-related visas.
    – Plans are underway to identify organizations associated with hate speech.
    – Serious racial vilification will soon be classified as a federal offense.

    Sydney, Australia — The country’s leader pledged Thursday to eradicate extremism as the nation mourned the loss of its youngest victim in the Bondi Beach incident, a girl remembered as “our little sunshine.”

    Two gunmen, father and son, are accused of opening fire into crowds during a Jewish festival by the beach on Sunday evening, killing 15 people. Authorities have linked the attack to “Daesh ideology.”

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese assured the public of a comprehensive effort to remove “the evil of antisemitism from our society,” emphasizing that more proactive measures are needed.

    “Australians are in shock and outraged. I share that anger. There’s a clear need for us to do more,” he told reporters.

    New authorities will be empowered to scrutinize extremist preachers and to deny or revoke visas for individuals spreading hate or creating divisions.

    The government also plans to establish a system for listing organizations led by hate speech perpetrators, with “serious vilification” based on race set to become a federal criminal offense.

    As the Prime Minister spoke, mourners gathered for the funeral of Matilda, the youngest victim of the attack.

    “Matilda was our little ray of sunshine,” said the rabbi conducting her service, reading a message from her school.

    “She was genuinely the kindest, most caring, and compassionate young girl, lighting up everyone’s day with her bright smile and contagious laugh.”

    Clad in black, mourners carried lilies as they entered the funeral service at Sydney’s Chevra Kadisha, a Jewish organization responsible for traditional burials. Some held balloons decorated with images of bumblebees, a nod to Matilda’s nickname, “Matilda Bee.”

    Photos taken before the shooting showed her petting animals at a zoo and smiling after having her face painted.

    Matilda’s family — who have requested media refrain from publishing their last name — emigrated from Ukraine to Australia prior to Russia’s invasion.

    “I never imagined I would lose my daughter here. It’s a nightmare,” her mother Valentyna told reporters before the funeral.

    “It’s all here — in my head and in my heart. I just can’t shake it,” she added, pointing to her mind and chest.

    Her father, Michael, said they chose her name to honor Australia, where the beloved folk song “Waltzing Matilda” is considered an unofficial national anthem.

    “We moved here from Ukraine, and Matilda was our first child born in Australia,” he explained earlier in the week.

    “And I believed that Matilda is the most Australian name there is. Remember her name.”

    ## Extremist Ideology

    Sajid Akram and his son Naveed are accused of carrying out an antisemitic attack during a Hanukkah celebration, firing into the crowd.

    Father Sajid, 50, was killed during a confrontation with police, while 24-year-old Naveed survived.

    Naveed, reportedly unemployed and working as a bricklayer, faces 15 counts of murder, terrorism charges, and multiple other serious crimes.

    Investigators believe both men were radicalized by “Daesh ideology.”

    Authorities are examining whether they met with extremists during a trip to the Philippines weeks before the attack.

    The Philippines announced Wednesday there’s no evidence of the country being used for terrorist training.

    Questions are being raised about whether Australian authorities could have intervened earlier to prevent the shootings.

    Naveed had come under intelligence scrutiny in 2019 but was not considered an immediate threat at that time.

    The attack has also reignited concerns that Australia has been slow to address rising antisemitism.

    “Today is a very critical moment,” said Jillian Segal, the government’s antisemitism envoy, on Thursday. “Not just for our community but in the effort to combat antisemitism worldwide.”

    Meanwhile, Australia is working to strengthen gun laws that previously allowed Sajid Akram to own six firearms.

    The bombing at Bondi Beach marks the deadliest mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, which resulted in 35 deaths and led to comprehensive gun law reforms.

    Despite these changes, recent years have seen a steady increase in privately owned firearms in the country.

  • Indian Passport Revealed After Sydney Attack at Bondi Beach

    Indian Passport Revealed After Sydney Attack at Bondi Beach

    A still from Indian passport of Sajid Akram, alleged gunman of Bondi Beach attack in Sydney, Australia. — Screengrab via YouTube/Geo News
    • Indian High Commission issued attacker’s passport in 2022.
    • Passport lists Hyderabad, Telangana as the place of origin.
    • India’s efforts appear aimed at tarnishing Pakistan’s image internationally.

    Filipino media reports have revealed an Indian passport belonging to Sajid Akram, the suspect involved in the deadly Bondi Beach attack during a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, which resulted in at least 15 fatalities.

    The attack was carried out by a father-and-son duo, Sajid Akram and Naveed, who opened fire during the event on December 14, sending shockwaves across the country and compounding fears of growing antisemitism and violent extremism.

    The victims included a rabbi with five children, a Holocaust survivor, and a 10-year-old girl named Matilda Britvan, according to reports from officials, interviews, and media outlets. Two police officers are still in critical but stable condition in the hospital, NSW police stated.

    Records obtained by the Philippines’ ABS-CBN News show Naveed Akram holds an Australian passport, while his father Sajid entered Australia with an Indian passport.

    Sajid Akram was issued a 10-year Indian passport by the Indian High Commission on February 24, 2022. The passport, now publicly available, lists Hyderabad in Telangana as his place of birth and has an expiration date of February 23, 2032.

    Despite knowing Sajid’s Indian citizenship from the outset, authorities reportedly presented a different narrative, attempting to link the attack to Pakistan, as reported by Geo News.

    Further insights reveal that Naveed Akram also possesses an Indian passport. However, Indian officials allegedly concealed this fact, allowing local media to circulate false reports that portrayed the attacker as a Pakistani national.

    After the attack, Indian outlets faced accusations of spreading misinformation before evidence confirming the attacker’s Indian nationality surfaced publicly. This narrative was seen as an attempt to tarnish Pakistan’s reputation internationally, a claim that fell apart once the facts became clear.

    Last year, British newspaper The Guardian reported that Australia expelled two RAW (Research & Analysis Wing) operatives in 2020 for illegal activities, including monitoring members of the Indian diaspora.

    ‘No evidence suggests Bondi Beach gunmen received military training in the Philippines’

    The Philippines’ National Security Adviser, Eduardo Ano, stated on Wednesday that there is no evidence indicating the suspects involved in the Bondi attack received military training during their visit to the country.

    He explained that just visiting the Philippines does not suffice as proof of terrorist training, and the length of their stay likely did not allow for any organized military instruction. The investigation covers their travels from November 1 to 28, with efforts ongoing in cooperation with Australian authorities to determine their purpose.

    Despite reports suggesting the Philippines as a hub for extremism, Ano dismissed these as outdated and misleading. Immigration records show the suspects arrived in Manila, traveled to Davao City in Mindanao—known for militant activity—and left on November 28, headed back to Sydney via Davao.

    The Bureau of Immigration confirmed that the father-son pair entered the Philippines from Australia on November 1 and departed on November 28, with Davao as their final destination and Sydney as their travel end point.

    Philippine regional police launch investigation

    The Davao Regional Police are investigating whether the suspects stayed in the area or only passed through. Spokesperson Maj Catherine Dela Rey stated that the multi-agency probe aims to uncover their activities: where they stayed or whom they met, or if they only transited through Davao.

    Police emphasized that the Davao region remains peaceful despite its association with the overseas incident, maintaining its calm throughout the year.

    — Additional details from Reuters

  • Indian Media Faces Embarrassment as Hyderabad Shooter’s Roots Revealed

    Indian Media Faces Embarrassment as Hyderabad Shooter’s Roots Revealed

    Alleged Bondi Beach shooter Naveed Akram can be seen in this undated image. — Facebook

    • Facts disprove coordinated Indian misinformation campaign.
    • Sajid Akram migrated to Australia from India in 1998: reports.
    • Naveed Akram is confirmed to be an Australian citizen by birth.

    The shooting at Bondi Beach has revealed false claims spread by certain Indian media outlets and social media accounts that tried to connect the attackers to Pakistan. These allegations crumbled after credible information was published by international news sources.

    Immediately following the incident, several Indian media outlets and social media users pointed fingers at Pakistan without proper verification, launching a coordinated smear campaign that contradicted verified details.

    According to reports from India’s The Hindu published on Tuesday, the suspect shot and killed by police during Sunday’s attack was Sajid Akram, aged 50, originally from Hyderabad in Telangana state, India. The report states that Akram moved to Australia in 1998.

    Australian media identified the other suspect as Akram’s 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, who was shot by police during the event and later recovered from a coma. It has been confirmed that Naveed is an Australian citizen by birth.

    Right after the attack, Indian journalist Arnab Goswami and numerous social media users claimed that the suspects had ties to Pakistan.

    Social media posts on X made unsubstantiated claims that Naveed Akram was of Pakistani descent and had studied in Islamabad.

    One post claimed: “This is the terrorist training camp in Kotli… where the Bondi Beach attackers trained,” while another accused the suspects of traveling to Pakistan multiple times.

    Meanwhile, Australian authorities announced on Wednesday that they had charged a man with 59 offenses, including terrorism charges, related to firing on a Jewish event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach.

  • Hyderabad Native Sajid Akram Responsible for Bondi Attack

    Hyderabad Native Sajid Akram Responsible for Bondi Attack

    Two of the attackers involved in the Bondi Beach shooting that resulted in at least 15 fatalities during a Jewish gathering in Australia on December 14 have roots in Hyderabad, according to officials from India, as reported by The Hindu.

    Indian authorities provided information about the gunman, Sajid Akram, 50, who is now deceased, following a background check. Sajid, a resident of Tolichowki in Hyderabad, migrated to Australia in 1998 on a student visa and has only visited India a few times since then, with his most recent trip being in 2022.

    A top government official stated that Sajid’s father passed away in 2017 and that Sajid did not attend the funeral rites. Another official added that Sajid’s immediate family remains in Hyderabad, with his elder brother working as a medical doctor. Sajid’s son, Naveed, 24, born in Australia in 2001, also participated in the attack, was shot by police, and is now hospitalized.

    The official explained that Sajid completed a bachelor’s degree in commerce in Hyderabad before moving to Australia, where he married a woman of European descent. He retained his Indian passport. Indian authorities do not currently find evidence of any local connections to the attack and have only conducted preliminary investigations based on information from their sources.

    Australian authorities remain in contact with Indian officials as investigations proceed. When asked if Sajid was of Indian origin, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the investigation is still ongoing and declined to provide further details to avoid compromising it.

    Additionally, Filipino authorities confirmed Sajid Akram’s Indian nationality by citing his travel documents. Sajid and his son Naveed arrived in the Philippines on November 1, with Davao listed as their destination, and they stayed primarily in the country for almost the entire month of November. Immigration officials in Manila confirmed their entry, noting Sajid entered as an Indian national.

    Both father and son departed the Philippines on November 28 via a connecting flight from Davao to Manila, en route back to Sydney. There were initial reports suggesting they might have received military-style training in the Philippines, but the military has not verified this. The country has a history of insurgencies, including the brutal siege of Marawi City in 2017, which was fought by ISIS-aligned groups such as Maute and Abu Sayyaf.

    Authorities described the attack as potentially inspired by Daesh (ISIS) ideology. Evidence linking to terrorist groups included a vehicle registered to Naveed that contained improvised explosive devices and flags associated with ISIS. Videos have surfaced showing the younger attacker preaching religion outside Sydney train stations, with investigators still trying to understand his path to violence.

    This massacre was Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades and is being treated as a terrorist act targeting the Jewish community. The death toll stands at 16, including Sajid, who was shot on the spot, and Naveed, who remains in critical condition. The victims ranged from a rabbi and Holocaust survivor to a 10-year-old girl. Two police officers are also hospitalized in stable but critical condition.

    Prime Minister Albanese indicated that the attackers were likely influenced by Daesh ideology, emphasizing that their actions are linked to terrorist organizations, not religion per se.

    The Philippine military acknowledged the presence of the suspects but has yet to confirm whether they received any military training in the country, despite earlier suggestions. Mindanao, where the suspects stayed, has a history of insurgent and terrorist activity, including the 2017 conflict in Marawi, which resulted in over 1,000 deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands.

  • Former Colleague Unveils Indian Roots of Bondi Attacker Naveed Akram

    Former Colleague Unveils Indian Roots of Bondi Attacker Naveed Akram

    Former colleague of attacker Naveed Akram can be seen in this image. — Screengrab via A Current Affair

    A former coworker of one of the Bondi Beach attackers shared with an international media outlet that Naveed Akram’s ethnicity is Indian.

    In an interview with A Current Affair, Lachie, a former colleague, said he recognized Akram immediately when he saw his photo online.

    Discussing Akram’s personal background, the former coworker explained: “Yeah, his background is Indian and Italian… his mom’s Italian, and his dad’s Indian.”

    A father and son opened fire during a Jewish festival at Australia’s most popular beach on Sunday evening, resulting in 15 fatalities, including a child, and injuring 42 others.

    The former coworker stated he was scrolling through social media when he saw the image. “Shock, disbelief — genuine shock,” he recalled. “I couldn’t believe that someone I spent time with every workday could commit such cruelty.”

    He emphasized that regardless of the motive, the attack was unjustifiable. “Whatever the reasons behind it, it’s just wrong. And for what?” he questioned.

    The ex-colleague said he worked with Akram intermittently for about five years in construction. “Probably on and off for about five years, mostly as a bricklayer,” he added.

    He noted that Akram’s behavior showed no signs of potential violence. “You wouldn’t think it. But that’s him,” he remarked.

    Officials have condemned the attack as terror-related, though they haven’t officially identified the shooters—one who was killed on scene and the other hospitalized.

    However, Australia’s national broadcaster ABC stated that the alleged attacker was Naveed Akram from Bonnyrigg, a suburb in western Sydney, citing an unnamed official. Local media also reported police raids at his residence.

    According to reports, Naveed was detained at the scene and transported to the hospital, where he remains under police supervision in critical but stable condition. His father, Sajid, reportedly owned a fruit shop and died at the scene.

    Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed Sajid arrived in Australia in 1998 on a student visa, which was later converted to a partner visa in 2001. He also holds a resident return visa. Burke added that Naveed, born in 2001, is an Australian citizen.

    Family members had initially told relatives they were heading to the South Coast for fishing, with Verena, Naveed’s mother, saying he had gone to Jervis Bay with his dad for the weekend and last contacted them Sunday morning.

    ‘Terrified’ Sydney man misidentified as Bondi gunman

    A Sydney resident, wrongly identified as the gunman, recounted receiving death threats and feeling too afraid to leave his home on Monday after his photo circulated widely online.

    Images of a smiling man in a green Pakistan cricket jersey spread across social media platforms.

    Many of these posts were shared thousands of times, accompanied by hostile comments.

    The photo was taken from a Facebook profile belonging to a different Naveed Akram, who issued a video appeal on Monday through the Pakistan Consulate in Sydney, urging people to stop spreading misinformation.

    “According to media reports, one of the shooters is named Naveed Akram, but my name is also Naveed Akram,” he stated in the video.

    “That’s not me. I have no connection to the incident or the individual involved,” he added, condemning the “horrible” Bondi Beach attack.

    “I need everyone’s help to stop this false information,” he urged, asking users to report accounts that misuse his photo, which he shared on Facebook in 2019.

    ‘Life-threatening’

    The 30-year-old, residing in a northwest Sydney suburb, told AFP he first learned around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday that he had been falsely linked to the shooting.

    “I couldn’t even sleep last night,” Akram admitted, saying he deleted numerous hateful messages he received.

    “I’m terrified. I can’t go outside; it feels life-threatening. I don’t want to take any risks… my family is worried as well, so this has been a tough time for us.”

    He asked the Pakistan Consulate to release his video, as relatives in Punjab, Pakistan, also received numerous phone calls.

    “It was damaging my reputation and my family’s reputation,” he explained.

    “People were calling them. They were worried, and they even contacted police back home.”

    Originally from Pakistan, he moved to Australia in 2018 to study at Central Queensland University, later completing a master’s at Sydney’s Holmes Institute.

    Today, he owns a car rental business and expressed his love for Australia.

    “I really enjoy living here. I’ve never felt unsafe—everyone is so friendly,” Akram said.

    “It’s just this incident that’s caused me so much trauma.”

  • What’s Known About the Bondi Beach Attack in Australia

    What’s Known About the Bondi Beach Attack in Australia

    A father and son targeted a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, resulting in 15 fatalities and deepening Australia’s grief on Monday.

    Incident Details:

    Emergency services responded around 6:47 p.m. local time on Sunday, following reports of gunfire at Bondi Beach—a major tourist hotspot in Australia’s largest city. The attack occurred during an annual Hanukkah event that drew approximately 1,000 attendees.

    Casualties and Injuries:

    Authorities confirm the gunmen opened fire into the crowd, killing 15 individuals aged from 10 to 87. The youngest victim, a 10-year-old girl, later succumbed to her injuries in a children’s hospital. Over 40 others were hospitalized overnight, including five in critical condition. Among the injured were two police officers involved in a gunfight with the assailants.

    Perpetrators:

    One attacker was a 50-year-old man fatally shot during a shootout with police, while his 24-year-old son is in critical condition under police custody. They have been identified as Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram, respectively. The father possessed six licensed guns, all believed to have been used during the attack. Authorities state there is no evidence of additional accomplices.

    Investigation and Classification:

    The police have classified the incident as a terrorist attack, a designation announced by New South Wales Premier Chris Minns at 9:36 p.m., prompting joint counter-terrorism efforts by federal and local agencies.

    International Reactions:

    The attack drew widespread condemnation globally. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called it an act of “pure evil,” while U.S. President Donald Trump described it as a “blatantly antisemitic assault.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Australia’s government for insufficient preemptive action, accusing them of “pouring oil on the fire of antisemitism.”

    Visuals:

    • Police officers monitor Bondi Beach after the attack.
    • Items left on the sand at the scene.
    • Mourners gather around floral tributes at Bondi Pavilion in remembrance of the victims.
    • People embrace at a makeshift memorial.

    Additional Notes:

    The incident marks a tragic chapter in Australia’s history, prompting national and international calls for increased security and counter-terrorism measures. The investigation remains active, and authorities continue to assess the motives and potential connections of the assailants.

  • Syria Detains Five Over Palmyra US and Syrian Troops Shooting

    Syria Detains Five Over Palmyra US and Syrian Troops Shooting

    Syria has detained five individuals suspected of connections to the Friday shooting that resulted in the deaths of two U.S. military personnel and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra. The Syrian Interior Ministry disclosed this information on Sunday.

    The attack targeted a convoy of U.S. and Syrian forces, leading to the death of two American soldiers and the interpreter. The assailant was shot and killed at the scene. The Ministry identified the attacker as a member of Syrian security forces who was believed to have sympathies with ISIS.

    Syria has been collaborating with a U.S.-led coalition fighting ISIS, reaching an agreement last month when President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited the White House. According to the Interior Ministry, Syrian forces in Palmyra conducted operations in coordination with international coalition partners, resulting in the immediate detention of five suspects who were taken for further questioning.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani on Sunday regarding the incident. Shibani expressed condolences and reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to combating and eradicating ISIS, as confirmed by State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott.

    The Ministry also stated that the attacker was evaluated days prior to the assault and was deemed to hold extremist views. A decision on his future actions was pending at the time.

    In recent months, the U.S.-led coalition has launched airstrikes and ground missions targeting ISIS members in Syria, often with Syrian security forces’ involvement. Last month, Syria launched a nationwide crackdown, detaining over 70 individuals with suspected ties to ISIS.

    U.S. military forces remain stationed in northeastern Syria as part of a long-term effort to dismantle ISIS, which controlled large parts of Syria and Iraq from 2014 to 2019.

    Syria’s government is now led by former rebels who overthrew Bashar al-Assad last year after a 13-year civil war, including members of the former Al Qaeda affiliate who disassociated from ISIS and have clashed with the terror group.

  • Major Cities Increase Security for Hanukkah Celebrations After Sydney Shooting

    Major Cities Increase Security for Hanukkah Celebrations After Sydney Shooting

    Multiple major cities, including Berlin, London, and New York, have increased security around Hanukkah celebrations following the recent attack on a Jewish holiday event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Berlin authorities announced enhanced measures around the Brandenburg Gate, where a large electric menorah is being lit to mark the holiday’s first night. A spokesperson stated, “We’ve long prepared comprehensive security for tonight’s Hanukkah event at Brandenburg Gate, but in light of the Sydney incident, we will intensify our efforts and maintain a robust police presence.”

    In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams confirmed on social media that additional security forces are protecting Hanukkah events and synagogues across the city. “We are committed to ensuring the Jewish community can celebrate safely, including at public menorah lighting ceremonies. Our thoughts are with the injured, and we stand united against hate,” he said.

    Poland’s main synagogue also doubled its armed security for Sunday evening services. Authorities there confirmed they are heightening security at diplomatic missions and religious sites due to the tense context following the Sydney attack, which was described as a targeted antisemitic act resulting in at least 11 deaths.

    The Berlin event at the Brandenburg Gate will include a prayer for the victims of the Sydney shooting, which authorities characterized as a deliberate antisemitic assault. Germany’s policy of overseeing Jewish and Israeli safety, rooted in historical responsibility for the Holocaust, means that increased security measures at Jewish institutions are standard, but they will be further ramped up during Hanukkah.

    London’s Metropolitan Police also reported an uptick in security presence, though they provided few details. “While there’s no specific link between the Sydney attack and London’s threat level, we are boosting patrols and engaging with the Jewish community to understand additional security needs,” a police statement noted.

    In France, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez directed local authorities to reinforce security at Jewish places of worship from December 14 through 22. He urged increased deployment of officers to monitor large religious gatherings and public celebrations, emphasizing heightened vigilance during this sensitive period.

  • Trump blames immigration issues for Washington shooting

    Trump blames immigration issues for Washington shooting

    President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that a member of the National Guard has been killed in an ambush by an Afghan national near the White House, an attack sparking criticism from his administration regarding immigration vetting failures during the Biden administration and leading to a thorough review of asylum processes.

    Sarah Beckstrom, aged 20, succumbed to her injuries, while her fellow Guardsman, Andrew Wolfe, 24, was fighting for his life, Trump stated. Authorities are conducting a terrorism investigation following the incident on Wednesday.

    Multiple properties, including a residence in Washington State linked to the suspect, have been searched as part of an expanding investigation. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was reportedly part of a CIA-supported unit in Afghanistan before arriving in the U.S. in 2021 through a resettlement program. Electronic devices such as phones and laptops were seized from his home, and relatives were interviewed, according to FBI Director Kash Patel.

    U.S. Attorney for Washington D.C., Jeanine Pirro, explained that the suspect traveled cross-country and ambushed the Guardsmen during their patrol near the White House on Wednesday afternoon.

    Trump expressed strong outrage about the attack, emphasizing its horror and the importance of controlling who enters and stays in the U.S., especially in light of recent security breaches. The gunman, equipped with a .357 Magnum revolver, shot one Guardsman as he fell, then continued firing at the second until exchanged fire with officers, resulting in his own injury. The suspect is currently hospitalized under heavy guard, with Trump reporting his condition as serious.

    The perpetrator, living in Washington State with his wife and five children, appears to have acted alone, according to Jeff Carroll, an assistant chief with the Washington Metropolitan Police Department.