Australian PM dismisses links to major extremist group in Sydney attack
Albanese said authorities had found no evidence that the attackers were part of a wider terrorist network or received instructions from any organized group
SYDNEY: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Sunday dismissed speculation that a major extremist organization was involved in a deadly attack in Sydney, saying the two perpetrators acted alone despite being influenced by extremist ideology.
Speaking to local media, Albanese said authorities had found no evidence that the attackers were part of a wider terrorist network or received instructions from any organized group. “This was not an operation directed by an international or domestic extremist cell,” he said, adding that the incident appeared to be an isolated act carried out by self-radicalized individuals.
Police investigations have so far ruled out the involvement of a third suspect. Several improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered from the suspects’ vehicle, underscoring the seriousness of the planned attack, officials said.
Albanese confirmed that the primary suspect, Naveed Akram, was not on any counterterrorism watch list prior to the incident. Security officials acknowledged that the case highlights ongoing challenges in detecting lone-actor attacks, which increasingly pose a threat due to their unpredictable nature.
In a separate statement, the Department of Home Affairs identified the second individual killed during a police operation as 50-year-old Sajid Akram. Authorities said he arrived in Australia in 1998 on a student visa, later transitioning to a partner visa in 2001 following his marriage. His son, Naveed Akram, was born in Australia.
Officials said investigations are continuing to establish the full timeline, motivations, and planning behind the attack. However, authorities emphasized there is no current intelligence indicating a broader security threat or links to an organized extremist group.
The Prime Minister urged Australians to remain vigilant but calm, reiterating the government’s commitment to combating extremism and ensuring public safety.
