World
Graphic video shows several people dead after mass shooting during Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach in Sydney
Authorities are investigating a deadly mass shooting that occurred Sunday evening during a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach in Sydney, an attack police are treating as a suspected terror incident.
Officials say two gunmen opened fire on a crowded “Chanukah by the Sea” event, resulting in significant loss of life and numerous injuries.
According to NSW Police, gunfire erupted shortly after 6:40 p.m., sending hundreds of people fleeing the beachfront area as emergency responders rushed to the scene.
Witnesses reported hearing dozens of shots, and video footage reviewed by investigators appears to show two individuals dressed in black firing what looked like shotgun-style weapons from an elevated footbridge behind the surf club.
Police have confirmed at least 10 fatalities, though some official briefings and media reports cite as many as 12 people killed, reflecting ongoing victim identification and verification.
More than 11 additional people were injured, several of whom remain in critical condition.
Authorities also confirmed that one suspect was killed during the incident, while another suspect is hospitalized in critical condition.
Investigators identified one of the suspected attackers as Naveed Akram, 24, as the inquiry continues into the circumstances, motive, and any potential accomplices.
Police credited a bystander with intervening and disarming one of the attackers, an action believed to have limited further casualties.
The attack prompted widespread condemnation and expressions of solidarity. International reactions followed rapidly, including messages of condolence from global leaders.
Australian officials and community leaders described the incident as a heinous and antisemitic assault on a religious celebration, while calling for unity and vigilance.
Authorities have increased security across Sydney and continue to urge the public to avoid the immediate area while forensic examinations and interviews proceed.
Further updates are expected as police release confirmed casualty figures and additional investigative findings.
NAKHCHIVAN, Azerbaijan — Authorities in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic reported that drones launched from the territory of Iran struck locations within the region on Thursday afternoon, damaging infrastructure and injuring at least two civilians, according to an official government statement.
The incident occurred on March 5, when two unmanned aerial vehicles entered Azerbaijani airspace and crashed at separate locations within the autonomous region.
Officials said one of the drones struck the terminal building at Nakhchivan International Airport, causing structural damage to the facility.
A second drone crashed near a school building in the village of Shakarabad.
Authorities confirmed that two civilians were injured in the attacks. The extent of their injuries has not been publicly detailed, but both individuals were reported to have received medical treatment.
In an official statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani government strongly condemned what it described as drone strikes originating from Iranian territory.
“We strongly condemn these drone attacks from the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which resulted in damage to the airport building and the injury of two civilians,” the statement read.
Azerbaijan said the attack on its territory violates international law and warned that such actions risk escalating tensions in an already sensitive regional environment.
“This attack on the territory of Azerbaijan is contrary to the norms and principles of international law and serves to increase tensions in the region,” the ministry said.
Following the incident, Azerbaijan summoned Mujtaba Darmichilu, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Azerbaijan, to the foreign ministry in Baku. Azerbaijani officials said a formal diplomatic protest would be delivered to the Iranian government demanding clarification regarding the incident.
The Azerbaijani government has also called on Iran to take urgent steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Officials added that Azerbaijan reserves the right to take appropriate retaliatory measures if necessary.
Authorities have not yet released additional technical details about the drones involved or whether they were armed or conducting surveillance. Investigations into the incident remain ongoing.