New Delhi, Dec 15 (NationPress) The tragic shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday resulted in 16 fatalities and left more than 40 individuals injured. This violent incident unfolded as a crowd of approximately 1,000 people gathered to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah. The assailants have been identified as Naveed Akram, a 24-year-old male, and his father, Sajid Akram, aged 50.

While the underlying motive remains unclear, police investigations revealed the presence of two Islamic State flags found in the vehicle of the attackers. The assailants, Naveed and his father, Sajid, have been recognized as terrorists by law enforcement officials.

Experts suggest that the attack's pattern indicates a potential connection to the Islamic State. Although the exact motive is still being investigated, there are indications that the attackers might have aimed to target the Jewish festival as a means to communicate a message to Israel. Australian authorities are yet to confirm the Islamic State's involvement in this heinous act. Footage from the scene captured one of the flags prominently displayed on the car belonging to the perpetrators.

The inquiry continues, with all evidence hinting at a strong Islamic State connection. Naveed Akram had previously come under scrutiny from Australia’s domestic intelligence agency, ASIO, six years ago due to his ties with a local Islamic State group. His name emerged in connection with an Islamic State-related attack thwarted by the police in 2019, following the arrest of El Matari, a notorious Islamic State operative.

Matari, currently serving a seven-year sentence, had a close relationship with Naveed and was known to plan significant attacks in Sydney. ASIO noted that Naveed was associated with several other Islamic State affiliates.

ASIO director-general Mike Burgess remarked, "One of these individuals was known to us, but not in an immediate-threat context, so we need to investigate the circumstances of this incident." Currently, Naveed is hospitalized under police surveillance, while Sajid died during the armed confrontation.

Counter-terrorism analysts assert that the attack appears to bear the characteristics typical of the Islamic State. It cannot simply be labeled a lone wolf incident given the involvement of multiple assailants. The meticulous planning and execution are indicative of Islamic State tactics.

The targeting of individuals celebrating a Jewish festival suggests a deliberate attempt by the assailants to send a message to Israel, according to expert opinions.

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that the attackers specifically aimed at the Jewish community during the first day of Hanukkah. The Islamic State has a history of orchestrating such attacks. Similar incidents have occurred in France, where Islamic State-inspired terrorists targeted gatherings.

In 2016, the Nice truck attack carried out by an individual aligned with the Islamic State led to the deaths of 86 people. An Indian Intelligence Bureau official noted that Naveed had been investigated by Australian authorities six years ago, indicating he may have been aware of a major attack planned for Sydney in 2019. Given the current developments, it appears that Naveed may have been waiting for the opportune moment to execute this attack.

Reports suggest that Sajid Akram operated a fruit shop, while Naveed lost his bricklaying job two months prior due to company insolvency. Both are believed to be Pakistani nationals. The police disclosed that Sajid had maintained a gun license for approximately 10 years.