Ankara: Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani spoke over the phone on Wednesday with Ahmed al-Ahmed, who courageously disarmed a shooter at Bondi Beach in Sydney during a deadly attack. During the conversation, al-Shaibani conveyed a message from President Ahmad al-Sharaa, expressing concern for Ahmed's health and extending get-well wishes.
According to Anadolu Agency, Ahmed expressed gratitude towards President Sharaa and Foreign Minister Shaibani for their attention and support. He conveyed his desire to return to Syria soon and reunite with his compatriots who have fought against oppression.
Footage from the incident showed Ahmed, a 43-year-old Syrian native of al-Nayrab village in Idlib governorate, bravely confronting the shooter. The attack resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals and left 42 others injured. Ahmed, who also holds Australian citizenship, sustained five gunshot wounds to his arm and shoulder and was hospitalized at St. George Hospital in southern Sydney.
Ahmed's actions have been widely praised, earning him recognition as a 'hero' from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Donald Trump.