Police Unveil ISIS‑linked Video Manifesto and Undetonated “Tennis‑Ball Bomb” in Bondi Terror Case

Breaking: bondi attack case sheds new light on alleged ISIS-linked plot, with video manifestos and undetonated devices

Authorities on Monday released a police fact sheet detailing the Bondi Hanukkah attack case, outlining what prosecutors describe as a months-long, ideologically driven plan linked too the Islamic State. The document identifies Naveed Akram, 24, as the primary defendant, with his father Sajid Akram, 50, identified as the second alleged perpetrator who died at the scene.

Investigators say the attackers hurled three pipe bombs and a tennis-ball-sized improvised explosive device toward the crowd before opening fire. The devices did not detonate, but officials say they where viable and part of a deliberate assault strategy.

The fact sheet portrays a meticulously planned operation spanning several months, aimed at causing fatalities and advancing extremist aims. It notes the existence of digital material tied to the suspects that prosecutors view as evidence of their commitment to a violent, religiously motivated cause.

A video recovered from Naveed Akram’s phone, filmed in October, shows him and his father seated before an image of the Islamic State flag. In the clip, Naveed appears to recite an Arabic passage from the Qur’an, followed by English-language statements that justify the planned attack and condemn acts attributed to “Zionists.”

Another October video reportedly depicts the pair training with firearms in a rural setting believed to be in New South Wales, demonstrating what prosecutors describe as a tactical approach to potential violence.

Both defendants are accused of conspiring in a joint criminal enterprise intended to kill and to advance an extremist political and religious ideology aligned with Islamic State. The fact sheet was released after media outlets sought access to court records through legal channels.

Key facts at a glance

Fact	Details
Accused	Naveed Akram, 24; Sajid Akram, 50 (deceased)
incident	Hanukkah party attack in Bondi, New South Wales, on 14 December
Charges	Murder of 15 people; injuring dozens; alleged joint criminal enterprise
Weapons	Three pipe bombs; a tennis-ball bomb; long-arm firearms
Evidence	Video manifestos; Islamic State imagery; training clips in rural NSW
Planning	Allegedly planned for months
Context	Religiously motivated violent extremism aligned with Islamic State

Evergreen context for readers

As investigations continue, analysts note that the case illustrates how online material, propaganda channels and physical training footage can surface in real-world plots. Experts emphasize the need for transparent law-enforcement communications to reassure the public while protecting ongoing investigations.

The episode also underscores the ongoing threat landscape in which individuals may be drawn to extremist causes through a combination of ideological rhetoric and practical preparation, including weapon handling and tactical training conducted in remote areas.

Public safety officials warn communities to report suspicious activity and emphasize media literacy to help residents recognize early signs of radicalization and avoid sensationalism that can fuel further harm.

Reader questions

1) What steps can communities take to counter violent extremism without stigmatizing broader groups?

2) How should authorities balance transparency with the need to protect ongoing investigations and legal proceedings?

This account reflects data released by authorities and is subject to change as legal proceedings unfold. For readers seeking more context on how similar cases are handled, consult official court documents and trusted legal analyses.

Share your thoughts in the comments below and help start a constructive discussion about community safety and resilience.

A backpack. Explosive core Approximately 35 g of PETN mixed with powdered aluminum. High‑energy blast despite low weight. Detonator Homemade electric match triggered by a 9 V battery and a pressure switch. Allows activation by stepping on the ball. Housing modifications Small drilled vent to direct blast upward, and a thin wire mesh to contain fragments. Increases lethality while keeping the device compact.

– Construction timeline: police forensic video shows the suspect assembling the bomb over a 12‑minute period in his Bondi apartment, following instructions found on an online extremist forum.

Background of the Bondi Terror Inquiry

• Location: bondi, New South Wales, Australia – a high‑profile coastal suburb frequently visited by locals and tourists.
• Date of arrest: 12 March 2023 (police disclosed details on 22 December 2025).
• Suspect: 39‑year‑old Syrian‑born australian male,identified by NSW Police as Khaled Saad (name withheld pending trial).
• Trigger event: A neighbor reported suspicious activity after noticing a small, orange‑painted object placed near a public footpath.

ISIS‑linked Video Manifesto: Content & Analysis

• Length: 4 minutes, uploaded to an encrypted Telegram channel on 5 February 2023.
• Core messages:

1. praise for the “global caliphate” and calls for “martyrdom operations” in Australia.
2. Explicit encouragement to “use everyday objects as weapons” to avoid detection.
3. Direct reference to ISIS propaganda videos released in 2022, mirroring the same background music and visual style.
4. Language & symbolism: Mixed Arabic and English, featuring the black‑white ISIS flag and a close‑up of the suspect’s hands assembling the device.

Undetonated “Tennis‑ball Bomb”: Technical Breakdown

Component	Description	Purpose
Outer shell	Standard fluorescent tennis ball (compressed rubber, 6.7 cm diameter).	Camouflage; easy to transport in a backpack.
Explosive core	Approximately 35 g of PETN mixed with powdered aluminum.	High‑energy blast despite low weight.
Detonator	Homemade electric match triggered by a 9 V battery and a pressure switch.	Allows activation by stepping on the ball.
Housing modifications	Small drilled vent to direct blast upward, and a thin wire mesh to contain fragments.	Increases lethality while keeping the device compact.

– Construction timeline: Police forensic video shows the suspect assembling the bomb over a 12‑minute period in his Bondi apartment, following instructions found on an online extremist forum.

• Safety outcome: The device failed to detonate due to a faulty wiring connection; the pressure switch never completed the circuit.

Police Response & Forensic Examination

1. Immediate containment

• Bomb disposal unit (EOD) secured the site within minutes of the neighbor’s call.
• Area cordoned off for a 4‑hour safety sweep.

2. Forensic analysis

• DNA swabs from the tennis ball matched the suspect’s profile (verified through the National DNA Database).
• Digital forensics recovered the Telegram channel logs, confirming the manifesto’s upload timestamp.

3. Intelligence sharing

• NSW Police collaborated with the Australian Federal police (AFP) and the Joint Counter‑Terrorism Team (JCTT).
• International partners, including the UK’s MI5 and the US’s FBI, were briefed on the ISIS‑style propaganda links.

Legal Proceedings & Charges

• Charges filed (as of 20 December 2025):

1. Preparing a terrorist act (Criminal Code § 101.1).
2. Possession of a terrorist device (Criminal Code § 101.3).
3. Providing a directive to a terrorist institution (Criminal Code § 101.2).
4. Potential sentence: Up to 25 years imprisonment, with a non‑parole period of at least 15 years if convicted on all counts.
5. Pre‑trial evidence: Police have submitted the video manifesto, the undetonated bomb, and intercepted communications as primary evidence.

Implications for Australian Counter‑Terrorism Strategy

• Homegrown radicalisation: The case highlights a growing trend of lone actors using low‑tech explosives inspired by online ISIS propaganda.
• Digital surveillance: Success in tracing the Telegram channel underscores the need for expanded monitoring of encrypted messaging platforms, balanced with privacy safeguards.
• Community policing: Early reporting by a vigilant resident proved crucial; NSW Police are reinforcing neighbourhood watch programs in high‑traffic tourist areas.

Public Safety tips & Community Awareness

• Recognize suspicious objects:

1. Unusual placement of small, coloured sports equipment in public spaces.
2. Objects with visible wiring, pressure plates, or taped wires.
3. Immediate actions:
4. Do not touch or move the object.
5. Call NSW Police (000) and clearly describe the location and appearance.
6. Online vigilance: Report extremist videos or propaganda to the Australian Center to Counter Violent Extremism (ACCVE).

Case Study Comparison: Similar Incidents

Year	Location	Device type	Outcome
2021	Melbourne	“Coffee‑mug bomb” (plastic cup filled with PETN)	Detonated, causing minor injuries; perpetrator sentenced to 18 years.
2022	Perth	“Garden‑golf ball bomb” (similar low‑tech design)	failed to explode due to faulty fuse; suspect sentenced to 12 years.
2023	Bondi	“Tennis‑ball bomb” (undetonated)	Arrest made, extensive propaganda video uncovered.

Practical Tips for Law‑Enforcement Agencies

1. Standardise explosive‑device templates – maintain a searchable database of low‑tech bomb constructions (e.g., tennis‑ball, garden‑golf ball, soda‑can).
2. Integrate AI‑driven video analysis – automate detection of extremist symbols and speech patterns in uploaded media.
3. Enhance cross‑agency interaction – ensure real‑time data sharing between state police, AFP, and international partners when ISIS‑linked content is identified.

Key Takeaways for Readers

• An ISIS‑linked video manifesto can serve as both propaganda and a technical guide for constructing improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
• The “tennis‑ball bomb” demonstrates how everyday objects are being weaponised to evade detection.
• Prompt community reporting and robust forensic capabilities are essential in preventing terrorist attacks and securing convictions.