Sydney: Australian investigators have widened their probe into the deadly Bondi Beach shooting after confirming that the two suspected attackers travelled to the Philippines weeks before the attack, raising concerns about possible overseas links and radicalisation.
The shooting took place on December 14 near Bondi Beach in Sydney during a Hanukkah celebration attended by members of the Jewish community. Fifteen people were killed and several others were injured, making it one of the deadliest attacks in Australia in recent years. Authorities have described the incident as a terrorist act with clear signs of ideological motivation.
Police have identified the attackers as a father and son. The father was shot dead at the scene during a police operation, while the son was wounded and is currently under heavy guard in hospital. Investigators say early evidence points to extremist beliefs that may have influenced the attack.
A major new development in the case is the confirmation that both suspects travelled to the Philippines in November, less than a month before the shooting. Philippine immigration authorities have said the men entered the country in early November and later visited areas in the southern region of Mindanao before returning to Australia in late November.
Officials have confirmed that the father entered the Philippines using an Indian passport, while the son travelled on an Australian passport. The use of an Indian passport is now under scrutiny, and Indian authorities are expected to examine its authenticity and origin as part of the investigation.
Security agencies in Australia and the Philippines are now working together to determine the purpose of the trip. Investigators are examining whether the suspects may have come into contact with extremist networks or received some form of training during their stay. Mindanao has a history of militant activity, although officials have not confirmed any direct links at this stage.
Australian police have said items found during searches after the attack suggest the suspects were inspired by extremist ideology. Authorities are also reviewing whether the younger suspect had previously come to the attention of security agencies and whether warning signs were missed.
The attack has shocked Australia and drawn strong condemnation from leaders across the world. The Prime Minister of Australia said the country was united in grief and would not allow hatred or violence to divide society. Jewish community leaders have described the attack as a devastating blow and have called for solidarity and stronger measures to combat extremism.
Meanwhile, authorities have increased security at places of worship and public gatherings across Sydney and other major cities as a precaution. Investigations are continuing in multiple countries as officials try to piece together the full chain of events that led to the attack and assess whether there are wider security implications.
Police have said more information will be released as the investigation progresses, and they have urged the public to avoid speculation while authorities work to establish the full facts behind the tragedy.