Shooting Occurs in Broad Daylight Inside Popular Sydney Eatery
Two gunmen opened fire inside a kebab shop in Auburn on Monday afternoon, attempting to assassinate alleged underworld figure Samimjan Azari. The shooting unfolded at M Brothers restaurant just after 1:00 PM. CCTV footage shows masked gunmen entering the premises and firing at Mr Azari.
The 26-year-old attempted to shield himself with chairs as bullets flew past shocked diners. His associate sprinted towards the back room while staff ducked for cover behind the counter.
Figure 1: The moment two gunman fired on Samimjan Azare and an associate on Monday afternoon
Gunmen Injure Three People During Attack
During the attack, a 50-year-old female employee suffered two gunshot wounds to her torso. Emergency services transported her to hospital in critical condition.
A 25-year-old man was also struck in the face. He remains in serious condition. Mr Azari avoided injury despite being the gunmen’s target.
The owner of M Brothers, Mohammad Reza Rahimi, was present during the shooting. Mr Rahimi said, “They were coming in and shooting and I was just right there.”
He prioritised his staff’s safety, especially the wounded employee. “I just hope (the female victim) is doing alright, we will support her with anything we can. She doesn’t deserve to get shot.”
Restaurant Owner Provides First Aid to Injured Worker
Mr Rahimi described how he assisted his colleague before paramedics arrived. “I tried to calm her down I got told to put pressure on the bullet hole, and the police told me to press as hard as I can to stop the bleeding,” he said.
He expressed distress over the situation. “I feel responsible, she works here with us. I wish this wouldn’t happen to us.”
Figure 2: Mr Rahimi, owner of M Brothers kebab shop
Police Confirm Mr Azari as Intended Target
Acting NSW Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell confirmed investigators believe Mr Azari was the intended target. “As recently as last Friday, police had spoken with the man due to concerns about his safety,” he said.
The gunmen tried to enter an office at the back of the premises during the incident. Police suspect the shooting was the third attempt on Mr Azari’s life this year.
A burnt-out vehicle found in Harris Park that evening is believed to be linked to the crime. Investigators continue searching for the offenders.
Figure 3: A burnt-out car in Harris Park was suspected to be linked to the shooting
Gang Feud Linked to Ongoing Violence
Police allege Mr Azari is a senior figure in the Alameddine crime family. The group is allegedly central to Sydney’s drug trade and involved in ongoing feuds.
Authorities suspect internal disputes within the Alameddine network have sparked multiple shootings. A previous attempt on Mr Azari’s life last month resulted in the death of his associate, Dawood Zakaria.
Experts Say Attacks Are Becoming Less Planned
Policing lecturer Adrian Leiva from Western Sydney University said recent underworld attacks show reduced planning. “I feel like they’re [underworld groups] getting a bit more sloppy with how they’re doing their attempted assassinations,” he said.
He explained many groups now hire inexperienced young men. “These are young men who have probably never used a gun before in their lives,” Dr Leiva said.
Dr Leiva described the methods as careless. “So they’re getting a bit more sloppy with how they’re trying to execute these individuals.”
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Gangland Attacks Becoming More Public
Despite a spate of public shootings, Dr Leiva said gang-related violence has not increased in number. “I think in recent years, they’ve [criminals] become more public with how they’re displaying their presence in Sydney,” he said.
He noted more open displays of violence. “They’re becoming more public in how they’re settling their feuds.”
Police Urge Public Calm Despite Public Shootings
Detective Superintendent Jason Box recently said several crime groups face internal divisions. He noted that while public displays had increased, overall violent crime statistics had not.
Dr Leiva also addressed public concerns. “The likelihood of being shot or killed in a public display shooting linked to organised crime is very low,” he said.
However, he warned about the recklessness of these attacks. “But the public should be concerned in terms of the sloppiness of some of these attacks, or some of these hits.”
NSW Police continue their investigation, urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
