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Dec 15, 2025
Myind Staff

Sydney’s Bondi Beach mass shooting: Authorities recover IS flag from Pakistani-origin suspect father-son duo

Australia was shaken on Sunday by one of the most violent mass shootings in decades, when two gunmen opened fire at a crowded gathering at Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach. The attack occurred during a Hanukkah festival, one of the first days of the eight-day Jewish holiday, and resulted in at least 16 people killed, including one of the attackers, and dozens wounded. Authorities have declared the incident a terrorist act and are investigating all possible links. The violence began in the late afternoon on Sunday at Bondi Beach, where more than 1,000 people had gathered to celebrate “Chanukah by the Sea,” a community event meant to honour the first night of the Hanukkah festival. Eyewitnesses described scenes of terror as shots rang out suddenly, causing families, tourists, and locals to flee in panic. According to police, the two gunmen were carrying long-barrelled firearms and opened fire indiscriminately on the crowd. In the chaos, there were scenes of people dropping belongings, abandoned strollers, and frantic parents trying to protect children as they ran for cover. Numerous videos shared on social media showed terrified visitors taking shelter inside nearby cafes, hiding behind beach facilities, or fleeing across sand and grass. Paramedics and first responders worked relentlessly on the scene, treating victims where they lay before transporting them to hospitals across Sydney. Soon after the shooting began, police engaged the attackers. One of the suspects identified as 50-year-old Sajid Akram was shot and killed by police at the scene. His 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, was critically injured and remains in hospital under heavy guard. Authorities later confirmed that the father legally owned multiple firearms, and it is believed that some of these weapons were used in the attack. Both men were of Pakistani origin, and law enforcement sources revealed that two Islamic State (IS) flags were recovered from their car parked near Bondi Beach. These flags were reportedly displayed on the vehicle’s bonnet and are now part of the ongoing investigation. Australia’s domestic intelligence agency, ASIO, confirmed that it had previously examined Naveed Akram about six years ago due to suspected links with a Sydney-based IS cell, although at that time he was not assessed as a direct threat. Officials are now reviewing all intelligence and connections as part of the probe. By Monday morning local time, authorities had confirmed that 16 people had died in the attack, including one of the shooters. Many of the victims were visitors celebrating the festival, families enjoying the beach, and bystanders caught in the violence. Around 40 or more were wounded, with some still in critical condition in hospital. Ambulance services deployed multiple teams, helicopters, and medical units to respond, treating many on the shore before transporting the injured to facilities across Sydney. Witnesses described chaotic scenes of rescue personnel trying to help amid the panic, with many victims suffering serious injuries. Families and friends of the victims have been left in shock as hospitals dealt with an overwhelming number of casualties. Authorities swiftly declared the shooting a “terrorist incident” given the context, targets, and symbols found at the scene. New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed the discovery of an improvised explosive device (IED) inside a vehicle linked to one of the attackers. He said: “We have found an improvised explosive device in a car which is linked to the deceased offender.” Police urged the public in Sydney to remain vigilant and avoid the area while investigations continue. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reacted with deep sorrow and condemnation. In an official address, he described the attack as a deliberate act of hatred and terror, saying: “What we saw yesterday was an act of pure evil, an act of anti-Semitism, an act of terrorism on our shores in an iconic Australian location, Bondi Beach, that is associated with joy, families gathering, and celebrations. It is forever tarnished by what has occurred.” Albanese called for unity and strength during this difficult time and reiterated government commitment to national security. He added that authorities are working tirelessly to identify any additional threats and prevent further attacks. The attack drew global condemnation. Leaders and communities around the world denounced the violence and offered condolences to Australia. The Israeli Prime Minister also spoke out, criticising global silence toward rising anti-Semitism and calling for stronger action against hatred before it erupts into violence. Local leaders in Sydney expressed solidarity with the Jewish community, which has been deeply affected by the tragedy. Services and vigils are being organised across the city to honour the victims and support their families. Amid the terror, there were also remarkable stories of bravery. Videos and eyewitness reports showed bystanders confronting attackers, tackling and disarming one gunman in an effort that helped many others escape. These acts of courage are being highlighted as examples of humanity and resilience in the middle of tragedy. Police have cordoned off large sections of Bondi Beach to conduct forensic work and gather evidence. The discovery of IS-related material, firearms, and explosives has widened the investigation to include counter-terrorism units and national security agencies. Authorities have increased security around religious, cultural, and public sites in Sydney and across Australia as a precautionary measure. Investigators are also working with international intelligence partners to determine whether the attackers were inspired or directed by external organisations. Support services have been rapidly mobilised to help victims, families, and witnesses deal with the emotional and psychological impact of the attack. Hospital staff, counsellors, and community volunteers are assisting those affected, while police have established communication lines for relatives seeking information about missing loved ones. Sydney residents and Australians across the country have expressed grief, disbelief, and solidarity. Memorials and tributes are being planned, and many people have laid flowers and messages of support near Bondi Beach. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also strongly condemned the “ghastly terrorist attack” at Bondi Beach in Australia, which targeted people celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. In a post on social media, the Prime Minister expressed his deep condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the attack. He said that India stands in solidarity with the people of Australia during this moment of grief and tragedy. Mr Modi further reiterated that India has zero tolerance towards terrorism and firmly supports the global fight against all forms and manifestations of terrorism. The tragic mass shooting at Bondi Beach, carried out by a father-son duo during a Hanukkah festival, has left Australia mourning and searching for answers. With 16 confirmed deaths, around 40 people injured, the discovery of IS symbols, and the declaration of the attack as a terrorist act, this event marks one of the most serious security crises in recent Australian history.

Dec 13, 2025
Myind Staff

Leaked documents reveal US role in Nepal’s Gen Z protests

Leaked documents have brought forward serious allegations about the United States’ involvement in funding and shaping Nepal’s violent ‘Gen Z’ movement, which reportedly led to regime change in the Himalayan nation. According to documents accessed by investigative outlet The Grayzone, the US secretly funnelled money through its agencies to organise, train, and mobilise young Nepali activists, allegedly to counter the growing influence of China and India in the region. The documents claim that the United States, through the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and the International Republican Institute (IRI), channelled $350,000 into a programme named “Yuva Netritwa: Paradarshi Niti” (Youth Leadership: Transparent Policy). On paper, the programme aimed to promote youth leadership, transparency, and democratic participation. However, the leaked files suggest that the real purpose went far beyond civic education. According to internal documents reviewed by The Grayzone, the programme was designed to train young Nepalis in “strategies and skills in organising protests and demonstrations.” The training manuals reportedly included lessons on public speaking, strategic political messaging, and mobilisation of resources, leadership development, and the use of digital platforms to broadcast dissent. The documents state that these activities were meant to create a coordinated and disciplined youth network capable of exerting pressure on the Nepali government. The programme reportedly ran from July 2021 to June 2022. Internal assessments described the initiative as a way to build a group of “vibrant youth” who could “become an important force to support US interests” by influencing policy decisions in Kathmandu. The documents explicitly stated that the goal was to steer Nepal away from the political orbit of its powerful neighbours, China and India, and align it more closely with Washington’s strategic objectives. The leaked files also reveal that the workshops were open to both political party members and unaffiliated youths. Each training session was reportedly recorded, transcribed, and analysed to assess participants for “leadership potential.” The documents claim that the organisers closely monitored individuals who showed the ability to mobilise crowds and influence public opinion. A key turning point highlighted in the documents was the Nepal government’s decision to block major social media platforms. According to the report, when the Kathmandu government ordered Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter to be blocked in September 2025 for failing to comply with new digital registration rules, the trained Gen Z activists were already prepared. Within days of the ban, large-scale protests erupted across the country. The protests quickly turned violent. Videos circulating online showed protesters carrying semi-automatic rifles and waving the Jolly Roger flag from the Japanese anime One Piece. The flag has previously appeared in youth-led uprisings in countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and Mexico. The leaked documents claim this symbolism reflected a shared protest culture promoted through international youth networks. The protests ultimately forced Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign from office. Following his resignation, an interim leader was selected through an informal social media poll that reportedly received fewer than 10,000 votes, raising concerns about democratic legitimacy. Despite visuals showing armed protesters rampaging through cities, much of the Western media described the movement as a peaceful and democratic uprising against an authoritarian government. The leaked documents question this narrative and argue that the events were part of a carefully planned political operation rather than a spontaneous youth revolt. The documents also draw inspiration from Nepal’s “Enough is Enough” protests of 2020, which erupted over dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to IRI’s internal reports, those protests demonstrated the power of young people “to shape and play a significant role in Nepali politics” and to extract concessions from the government. The institute reportedly viewed this as proof that youth-led activism could be weaponised for political change. One document stated that the goal was to provide Nepali youth with “opportunities and platforms to develop extensive, sustainable networks to effectively advocate for common concerns and be successful champions for democratic change supported by the US.” The language used in the documents clearly linked youth mobilisation with advancing American interests in the region. Beyond the initial $350,000 programme, the leaked files point to a much larger funding trail. In May 2022, the US signed a $402.7 million development objective agreement with Nepal through USAID. Of this amount, $158 million was allocated for governance and civil society work by early 2025. Additionally, NED’s FY 2024 Asia grant list included a $65,000 grant titled “Promoting Youth Civic Engagement and Movement Building” and a $135,000 grant for “Strengthening Youth Participation in Advocacy and Reform Campaigns.” These funds were reportedly meant to establish youth centres and provide digital media training. Observers cited in the report warned that the US-backed youth network was not limited to organising protests. Instead, it was allegedly designed to groom future political leaders who could contest elections and embed US-aligned policies into Nepal’s governance system. Similar IRI-backed youth initiatives in Bangladesh were cited as having played a role in paving the way for a coup in August 2024. The leaked documents also clearly outline why Nepal holds strategic importance for Washington. Situated between China and India, Nepal is described as a key component of the US Indo-Pacific strategy. IRI’s internal reports reportedly referred to Nepal as central to America’s objective of encircling Beijing with friendly governments and potential US military footholds. The role of the National Endowment for Democracy is also highlighted. Since its establishment in 1983, NED has funded similar projects worldwide. Its own founder once openly admitted that much of what the organisation does today was previously done covertly by the CIA, a quote frequently cited by critics of US foreign policy interventions. According to the leaked papers, the violent unrest in Kathmandu in September 2025 may have marked the final stage of a Washington-backed effort to install leadership aligned with American geopolitical interests. The documents further claim that as India moves closer to China and Russia, the US national security establishment would prefer a more compliant government in Nepal. The revelations have raised serious questions about the United States’ self-proclaimed role as a global defender of democracy. If the allegations outlined in the leaked documents are accurate, critics argue that Washington did not merely fund civic education programmes, but actively helped mobilise and empower a generation of young Nepalis to overthrow an elected government, a move that directly contradicts the democratic principles it claims to uphold.