UPDATE: New reports confirm that Sajid and Naveed Akram underwent military-style training in the Philippines just weeks before the tragic Bondi Beach massacre, which left 15 people dead during a Hanukkah celebration. Authorities are investigating their connections to an international jihadist network following their return to Sydney on November 28, 2025.
The father-son duo traveled from Sydney to the Philippines on November 1 and reportedly engaged with known terrorist groups in a region infamous for Islamist militant activity. This alarming revelation comes after police allege the Akrams opened fire at a gathering on Bondi Beach, marking a dark chapter in Australian history.
A senior counter-terrorism official revealed that the southern Philippines has been a stronghold for groups like Abu Sayyaf, notorious for terrorist acts including bombings and kidnappings. The region has been a training ground for militants since the early 1990s, raising concerns about the Akrams’ potential radicalization.
The investigation is intensifying as it’s discovered that Naveed Akram, 24, previously had links to Australia’s pro-Islamic State (IS) network. In fact, official sources confirm he was under ASIO surveillance following the arrest of fellow jihadist operator Isaak El Matari in July 2019. Despite no evidence of radicalization at that time, authorities now suspect both Sajid and Naveed pledged allegiance to IS before the attack.
In a disturbing twist, an IS-style flag was found in their vehicle, and witnesses reported seeing a similar flag near the crime scene. This shocking discovery raises urgent questions about the extent of their planning and connections to extremist groups.
During the attack, police allege the Akrams fired shots into a crowd celebrating Hanukkah from a footbridge connecting Campbell Parade to Bondi Pavilion, resulting in what is now classified as Australia’s second-worst mass shooting since the Port Arthur massacre in 1996. Naveed remains hospitalized under police guard and is likely to face criminal charges, while Sajid was fatally shot by police at the scene.
The Australian government has ramped up efforts to combat terrorism in the Philippines, recently enhancing law enforcement capabilities in Mindanao. This includes establishing a bomb data center and forensic explosives laboratory. As the investigation unfolds, community leaders and victims’ families are demanding justice and answers.
Footage has emerged showing Naveed Akram preaching radical Islamic beliefs on the streets of Sydney six years ago, further illustrating the potential depth of his radicalization. In the video, he fervently calls for strict religious observance, warning that actions will determine one’s fate on the Day of Judgment.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke defended ASIO’s previous investigations, emphasizing that there was no indication of violent ideologies at the time. However, he acknowledged the drastic changes in Naveed’s associations since then, stating, “In the years that followed, that’s changed.”
This developing story highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures and community vigilance to prevent future tragedies. As the nation mourns, the focus shifts to understanding the motivations and connections behind this heinous act. More updates are expected as authorities continue their investigation into the Akrams’ international ties and radicalization.
