Gangland Tensions Rise in Sydney After Shooting Incident
Attempted assassination of Alameddine associate ignites fears of escalating violence in organized crime circles.
In Sydney's west, tensions within the city's underworld have intensified following the attempted assassination of Samimjan Azari, a senior member of the Alameddine crime clan.
The incident took place on Sunday, resulting in fears of a potential retaliatory gang war.
Azari, 26, was targeted in a drive-by shooting while he was traveling in a Toyota HiLux.
Gunmen from a black Mercedes-Benz opened fire, discharging at least seven shots at his vehicle.
Neither Azari nor his companion Levi Vitukawalu, 28, sustained injuries, but Dawood Zakaria, an alleged associate, was critically wounded and is not expected to survive.
Sylvan Singh, a solicitor who was driving the vehicle, also suffered multiple gunshot injuries but is reported to be in stable condition.
Azari was arrested shortly after the shooting and charged with firearms offenses, including possessing an unauthorised pistol.
Despite police warnings that his release would exacerbate street violence, he was granted bail, leading to widespread concern about increased retaliatory attacks.
Police expressed that Azari is at the center of an ongoing feud involving rival crime groups, citing his prominent role within the Alameddine network.
During court proceedings, police prosecutor Ky Jiang outlined the potential dangers of releasing Azari, emphasizing the risk of further bloodshed associated with his gang affiliations.
Azari's legal representative refuted claims of his involvement in retaliatory actions, noting that he had previously been the target of an assassination attempt in February.
He remained compliant with bail conditions prior to this incident.
Detective Superintendent Jason Box described the shooting as a targeted attack and mentioned that police are closely assessing connections to other recent violent incidents attributed to gang conflicts across Sydney.
The investigation has revealed links between Azari's criminal activities and illicit tobacco trade, with previous arrests made related to this underbelly.
The incident has drawn attention from government officials, with New South Wales Premier Chris Minns condemning the violence and pledging support for law enforcement efforts to combat organized crime.
As investigations continue, the community remains on edge, with concerns over safety amidst the resurgence of gang-related activities in Sydney.
The incident took place on Sunday, resulting in fears of a potential retaliatory gang war.
Azari, 26, was targeted in a drive-by shooting while he was traveling in a Toyota HiLux.
Gunmen from a black Mercedes-Benz opened fire, discharging at least seven shots at his vehicle.
Neither Azari nor his companion Levi Vitukawalu, 28, sustained injuries, but Dawood Zakaria, an alleged associate, was critically wounded and is not expected to survive.
Sylvan Singh, a solicitor who was driving the vehicle, also suffered multiple gunshot injuries but is reported to be in stable condition.
Azari was arrested shortly after the shooting and charged with firearms offenses, including possessing an unauthorised pistol.
Despite police warnings that his release would exacerbate street violence, he was granted bail, leading to widespread concern about increased retaliatory attacks.
Police expressed that Azari is at the center of an ongoing feud involving rival crime groups, citing his prominent role within the Alameddine network.
During court proceedings, police prosecutor Ky Jiang outlined the potential dangers of releasing Azari, emphasizing the risk of further bloodshed associated with his gang affiliations.
Azari's legal representative refuted claims of his involvement in retaliatory actions, noting that he had previously been the target of an assassination attempt in February.
He remained compliant with bail conditions prior to this incident.
Detective Superintendent Jason Box described the shooting as a targeted attack and mentioned that police are closely assessing connections to other recent violent incidents attributed to gang conflicts across Sydney.
The investigation has revealed links between Azari's criminal activities and illicit tobacco trade, with previous arrests made related to this underbelly.
The incident has drawn attention from government officials, with New South Wales Premier Chris Minns condemning the violence and pledging support for law enforcement efforts to combat organized crime.
As investigations continue, the community remains on edge, with concerns over safety amidst the resurgence of gang-related activities in Sydney.
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