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Authorities suspect a notorious crime family based in Sydney is behind a series of overnight shootings, heightening concerns about potential retaliatory violence.
The violent incidents began shortly after midnight when gunshots were fired at a residence in Casula, located in Western Sydney. This initial attack triggered a chain of retaliatory strikes on both residential and commercial properties, continuing into the early hours of the morning.
Law enforcement officials have identified the Alameddine family, alleged to be deeply involved in organized crime, as the central figures in these attacks.
“There is a well-established connection between some of the targeted locations and the Alameddine organized crime network,” stated Detective Superintendent Jason Box. “Additionally, several other sites are known to be linked with different organized crime groups.”
One of the properties targeted was a house on Fairmont Street in Merrylands, which is reportedly the residence of Raf Alameddine, who is alleged to be the leader of this criminal network.
He wasn’t home and police allege he is coordinating the group’s efforts from Lebanon.
The first shooting, allegedly saw a white SUV driven up to a shopping centre on the Hume Highway at Casula.
A shot was fired by one of two men, believed to be connected to the Alameddine family who was inside the car, directed towards Royal Blends Barbershop. It’s unclear why this barbershop was targeted.
There were no injuries.
This set off retaliatory attacks, believed to be by a group called the Lone Wolf gang.
The first saw Little K’s Restaurant, a well-known Alammedine hangout in Merrylands, set on fire, the culprits filming their act and calling it “Operation Fire Bender”.
The restaurant is owned by Adam Al Ahmad, whose brother Assad is an alleged Alammedine crime boss.
Two more shootings occurred, the one in Merrylands, and another on Woodstock Road in Guilford, believed to be owned by Al Ahmad.
No one was injured in either shooting.
Box said these actions put innocent civilians in harm’s way; the shooting in Merrylands happened close to a sports field where children were getting ready to play soccer.
“They could have killed or seriously injured someone,” he said.
“But now they also have the concern these organised crime networks will retaliate against not just them but their friends, family associates.”
Detective Superintendent admitted he was fearful of more retaliatory attacks from the Alammedines’.
“We can tell from today that any of these organised crime entities, when they use any form of violence or intimidation, there will be retaliation,” he said.
“It would appear the first incident have caused the other acts in retaliation this morning.”
After the third shooting, police saw a black Range Rover driving along Woodville Road in Merrylands, and began chasing it when it failed to stop.
The chase was stopped after the Range Rover was found to be driving “erratically and dangerously”, Box said.
It was found abandoned in Smithfield, but two people, a 17-year-old boy and a 21-year-old man, were arrested nearby.
They have been taken to Cabramatta Police Station, where charges are expected to be laid.
It is not known which shootings they were involved in, but they are believed to be connected to some of them.
A gun was also found in the car.
Police believe more people were involved in the shootings, but they have not been found yet.
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