Alleged gunmen in Australia shooting inspired by Islamic State, traveled to Philippines: police

The father and son who allegedly opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach appear to have been inspired by the Islamic State and had traveled to the Philippines, according to Australian police on Tuesday.The terror attack on Sunday killed 15 people, and 25 who were wounded remain hospitalized, according to officials, Reuters reported.
“Early indications point to a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State, allegedly committed by a father and son,” Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said at a news conference.
One of the alleged gunmen, identified by police as Sajid Akram, 50, died after being shot by police. His 24-year-old son, the other alleged gunman, was identified by local media as Naveed Akram, and is in critical condition at a hospital after being shot by police.
Both men had traveled to the Philippines last month, but the reason for the trip remains under investigation.
According to Philippine immigration officials, both men traveled to Manila and onward to Davao in the south of the country on Nov. 1 and left on Nov. 28. Sajid Akram traveled on an Indian passport while his son was on an Australian passport, officials said, adding that it was not conclusive they were linked to any terrorist group or whether they received training in the country.
Islamic State-linked networks operate in the Philippines and have had some influence in the south of the country. However, in recent years, they have been reduced to weakened cells operating in the southern Mindanao island.
The son’s vehicle had improvised explosive devices and two homemade flags associated with ISIS inside, according to police.
Videos have surfaced of the son preaching about Islam outside train stations in Sydney, but authorities are trying to determine how he became radicalized.

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