A duplex in Merrylands, in Sydney’s west, was struck in a drive-by shooting in the early hours of Sunday as three people remained inside, police said. No one was injured.
Emergency services were called to Harris Street at about 1:40 a.m. following reports of gunfire. Two women, 49 and 22, and a 15-year-old boy were inside the home when the gunman fired multiple rounds; forensic officers later found at least four bullet holes in the property’s front door, police said. The occupants, who are assisting police, were uninjured.
NSW Police said the property was formerly owned by rapper Ali Younes, who performs under the name Ay Huncho, and investigators are treating him as a possible target. Younes was not at the house at the time of the shooting. He was released on bail last month on charges authorities say link him to the Alameddine crime syndicate, police said.
Detective Inspector Ricki Lindner described the incident as “brazen” and “dangerous behaviour,” saying it put the community at risk. “It’s behaviour police won’t tolerate,” she said on Sunday, adding that Cumberland Police and specialist units were at the scene and that investigators had established Taskforce Falcon to examine a series of drive-by shootings in western Sydney.
Officers reported seeing a dark-coloured vehicle in the area at the time of the shooting and shortly afterwards and said they were keen to speak with the driver. Police have not identified any suspects and said enquiries were continuing.
Authorities are also investigating whether the attack is linked to an earlier shooting in Merrylands on Sept. 9, which occurred less than a five-minute drive from Sunday’s scene. Police have said they believe a wave of public shootings in the area may be connected to an internal dispute within the Alameddine network.
Court documents tendered to the Supreme Court last year said Younes had been allegedly involved in a kidnapping in 2024 and that he had asked to report for bail by telephone because he feared for his safety. Police did not provide further details about those allegations on Sunday. Younes has not been convicted of the alleged crimes.
Forensic teams conducted examinations at the duplex and investigators urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Cumberland Police and specialist taskforce members continue to interview witnesses and review CCTV and other evidence as part of their ongoing inquiry.