Australian police said that the two gunmen accused of the mass shooting on Bondi Beach in Sydney traveled to the Philippines last month, and that the reasons for their trip are still under investigation.
The police added that preliminary investigations suggest that the two gunmen may have been inspired by the ideologies of the Islamic State organization, noting that a homemade flag of the Islamic State was found in a vehicle used by one of the men.
An Australian security source said that the perpetrators of the Bondi operation traveled to the Philippines in November/December last year, and underwent military training in a camp described as terrorist.
The man and his son opened fire on hundreds of people during Hanukkah celebrations held on Sunday on Bondi Beach, resulting in the death of 16 people, including one of the gunmen, aged 50, who was shot by police, while the second gunman, aged 24, was arrested and is now in critical condition in the hospital.
Australian authorities praised the bravery of the Muslim citizen of Syrian origin, Ahmed Al-Ahmed, confirming that his intervention and seizing the rifle of one of the attackers prevented more casualties.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the two gunmen may have been inspired by the ideologies of the Islamic State.
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Australian Police: Sydney Attack Gunmen Traveled to Philippines and Trained in Camp