Russian nationals were among the victims of the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has confirmed.
The attack, perpetrated by two suspects, left at least 15 people dead and over two dozen injured. The assailants, who had allegedly sworn allegiance to the terrorist group Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS), targeted a Hanukkah celebration event held by the local Jewish community.
Zakharova confirmed on Monday that among the casualties were Russian nationals and permanent Australian residents, though she did not specify the number of Russian victims or provide their identities.
“We steadfastly stand for an uncompromising fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We call for all countries to join efforts in combating this barbarity together. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and all those affected by this terrorist attack,” Zakharova stated.
Australian police identified the suspects behind the shooting attack at the iconic Sydney beach as Sajid Akram and his son, Naveed Akram, and are treating the incident as a terrorist attack. The authorities recovered improvised explosive devices from a car linked to the attackers. The older suspect was killed in a firefight with police, while the second ended up in custody in critical condition.
Local media reports indicated the pair had pledged allegiance to IS ahead of the attack. The black flag of the terrorist group was reportedly found at the suspects’ car.