12 Dead in Targeted Bondi Attack; Police Hunt for Possible 3rd Gunman

SYDNEY: A shooting incident at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday evening left at least 12 people dead after armed attackers opened fire near a busy seaside event. The gunfire broke out around 6.30 pm local time, sending hundreds of tourists and locals fleeing in panic from the popular beachfront area.

"Police are responding to a developing incident at Bondi Beach and are urging the public to AVOID the area. Anyone at the scene should take shelter," New South Wales police said in a statement on social media.

Two people had been taken into custody, they said, warning that the operation was "ongoing" and people should to avoid the area, obey police instructions and avoid crossing police lines.

A report in the Sydney Morning Herald said one suspected shooter had been shot by police while another had been detained.

Bondi Beach in eastern Sydney is Australia's most famous beach, drawing huge numbers of surfers, swimmers and tourists especially at weekends.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday condemned the terrorist attack in Australia and expressed solidarity with the people of that country in their hour of grief.

"Strongly condemn the ghastly terrorist attack carried out today at Bondi Beach, Australia, targeting people celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah," the prime minister said. "On behalf of the people of India, I extend my sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. We stand in solidarity with the people of Australia in this hour of grief," he said. The prime minister said India has "zero tolerance" for terrorism and supports the fight against all its forms and manifestations. Two gunmen shot dead at least 11 people at a Jewish event being held at Sydney's Bondi Beach. Australian authorities declared it a terrorist attack.