The attack in Sydney, motivated by Islamic State ideology, resulted in 15 deaths and was carried out by Sajid and Naveed Akram, who traveled to the Philippines, a known hotspot for extremist groups like Abu Sayyaf. The pair received military-style training there and were found with homemade ISIS flags and improvised explosive devices. Investigations reveal a 2019 ASIO probe into Naveed Akram, alongside a 2023 firearm license obtained by Sajid Akram, and a trip to Davao, Philippines, in November 2025, where they connected with the Islamic State East Asia (ISEA) network.