A targeted terror attack, confirms Aus PM

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Sunday said a deadly shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, during Hanukkah celebration, was a targeted attack aimed at the Jewish community, describing the violence as “beyond comprehension”.“This is a targeted attack on the Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah,” Albanese said, according to Reuters, referring to the shooting at the “Hanukkah by the Sea” event.At least 12 people have been confirmed dead since the attack was first reported, with some reports indicating that one of the shooters is among those who lost their lives in the incident. ET couldn't independently verify the latter claim. Calling the incident a terrorist act, Albanese said, “There has been a devastating terrorist incident at Bondi at the Hanukkah by the Sea celebration.”We have seen Australians today run towards dangers in order to help others. These Australians are heroes and their bravery has saved lives, he was quoted as saying by AFP. He added that “the evil that was unleashed at Bondi Beach today is beyond comprehension,” and that police and security agencies were working to identify anyone linked to the attack, as quoted by Reuters. Bondi Beach Shooting: At least 12 dead, several injured in 'terrorist incident' on Australian beach, 2 arrestedPolice declare Bondi shooting a terrorist incidentAustralian police said the mass shooting at Bondi Beach met the legal threshold for terrorism under state law, triggering a counter-terror investigation led by specialist units.“As a result of the circumstances of the incident tonight at 9:36 pm this evening, I declared this to be a terrorist incident,” New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon told a news conference, according to AFP.Police said at least 12 people had been killed in the attack, with several others injured. Authorities confirmed that one of the offenders was shot dead, while another suspect has been taken into custody. Security agencies are continuing to examine whether others were involved.Attack ‘designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community’New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said investigators had concluded that the attack was deliberately aimed at Sydney’s Jewish community and took place during a public Hanukkah celebration.“What should have been a night of peace and joy was shattered by a horrifying, evil attack,” Minns said, adding that the violence was “designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community”, the BBC reported.Minns said police and emergency services responded rapidly to the incident and that a major investigation was underway to determine the full sequence of events and any broader links.What happened at Bondi Beach?The shooting unfolded at Bondi Beach during a public event marking the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, which began at sundown. The gathering, known as “Hanukkah by the Sea”, had drawn families and members of the Jewish community to the beachfront when gunfire broke out, triggering panic and a large emergency response.Police said two men carried out the attack. One of them was reportedly shot dead at the scene, while the second was taken into custody in critical condition. At least 12 people were killed, and several others were injured, including police officers. New South Wales Ambulance said multiple victims were taken to hospital as emergency services rushed to the area.Investigators later said an improvised explosive device was found inside a vehicle linked to one of the suspects, prompting bomb disposal units to be deployed and parts of the surrounding area to be sealed off. Authorities said the Counter-Terrorism Command was leading the probe, assisted by state crime investigators.Witnesses described scenes of chaos as people fled across the beach amid gunshots and sirens, while police detained suspects nearby. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show people scattering and officers restraining two men near the beachfront, though police have cautioned against drawing conclusions as the investigation remains ongoing.