A shooting at a kebab shop in Auburn, western Sydney, left three people wounded on Monday afternoon in what police believe was a planned attack connected to underworld crime.
The incident happened around 1 p.m. at M Brothers Cafe, located near Auburn train station. According to police, two men entered the shop and opened fire at close range. At least eight shots were fired before the attackers fled the scene in a black BMW that had cloned license plates.
Three people were injured during the attack. A 26-year-old man, believed to be the intended target due to his ties to organised crime, was shot in the shoulder and arm. A second man, who was nearby, was struck in the face.
A 50-year-old woman working at the café was also hit twice in the torso. All three were taken to Westmead Hospital and remain in serious but stable condition.
Emergency responders quickly arrived, and parts of the street were cordoned off as police launched an investigation. CCTV footage from nearby businesses is being reviewed to identify the shooters. No arrests have been made so far.
Police say the targeted man has survived two previous shootings and had checked in with police under his bail conditions just an hour before the incident.
Police Suspect Criminal Links Behind the Attack
Authorities believe this was not a random act of violence but a planned shooting aimed at one individual with links to criminal groups. The man, identified in media reports as Samimjan Azari, is known to police and has been previously targeted in similar incidents.
The case is now being handled by Strike Force Falcon, a special police unit focused on gang-related violence in New South Wales.
Officers are investigating possible connections between this shooting and ongoing feuds involving the Alameddine crime group.
Acting NSW Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell called the shooting “reckless and dangerous,” especially since it took place in a busy area during the middle of the day. He stressed the importance of public safety and warned those involved in organised crime that they will be pursued relentlessly.
Premier Chris Minns and Police Minister Yasmin Catley also condemned the incident, saying innocent lives were put at risk and that such violence would not be tolerated.
Police are urging anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or who has footage from the area to come forward. Investigators believe public help will be key in tracking down the suspects and preventing further violence.
