Australian authorities have launched a major investigation into two Sydney men who reportedly travelled to the Philippines at the same time and place as the father and son responsible for the Bondi Junction terror attack.
Expanding Counter-Terrorism Probe
Police in both Australia and the Philippines are now examining the movements of the two additional men from Sydney. Their trip occurred in November, mirroring the timeline of Naveed Akram, 24, and his father Sajid Akram, 50. The investigation aims to determine if the men crossed paths with the Akrams during their month-long stay in the Southeast Asian nation.
The Philippines has been identified by security agencies as a known hub for terrorist activity and recruitment. It is home to members of Islamic State East Asia (ISEA), an officially recognised affiliate of the Islamic State group. According to Australian National Security, ISEA has conducted frequent and violent attacks in the region, including suicide bombings.
Focus on Meetings and Connections
Local Philippine police are also scrutinising a meeting the Akrams had with a Muslim cleric during their visit. Investigators are working to uncover the content of those discussions as part of the broader effort to understand the network and planning behind the Sydney attack.
The federal government has long warned that the Philippines is a target destination for foreign terrorist fighters. The ISEA faction remains a deadly threat within the country, often targeting Philippine government and sectarian objectives.
Aftermath of the Bondi Attack
The probe follows the horrific events of last Sunday, when the Akrams allegedly shot dead 15 people at the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre. Sajid Akram was killed by police at the scene, while his son Naveed was critically injured and taken to hospital.
Naveed Akram has since been charged with 59 offences related to the mass shooting. In a stark postscript, Sajid Akram's estranged wife has refused to claim his body, signing it over to the government for a destitute burial. His remains are currently held at the coroner's morgue.
The investigation into the Philippines connection underscores the international dimensions of domestic terror threats and the ongoing efforts by Australian authorities to dismantle extremist networks abroad.
