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Gangland hits that shook Sydney's underworld
13 people have died in gangland violence in Sydney.
In the past 18 months,  
In the most recent incident, Comanchero bikie boss Tarek Zahed was critically injured and his brother Omar  killed after they were sprayed with bullets in an Auburn gym on May 10.
Pictured: Tarek Zahed
The precedent for violent crimes among rival gangs was set years ago, with dozens of high-profile hits in Sydney's underworld since 2009. 
Here are some of the most shocking.
Video: Daily Telegraph
A bloody clash between members of the Hells Angels and Comanchero at Sydney Airport remains one of the most significant events to shape the city's underworld.
SYDNEY AIRPORT BRAWL
2009
Pictured: Anthony Zervas
Zervas, 29, an associate of the Hells Angels, was bludgeoned with a bollard and stabbed in the departure hall  in front of horrified bystanders as the gangs clashed after a chance mid-flight meeting.
Video: Ten
Zervas' death led to the end of Mick Hawi’s six-year reign over the Comanchero after he was convicted of murder for his role in the brawl.
The event was the catalyst for anti-bikie laws and the creation of bikie squad Strike Force Raptor.
Pictured: Mick Hawi
Safwan Charbaji, the 'Mr Big' of the underworld, was fatally shot in a gunfight outside a Condell Park smash repair business.
'Mr BIG' SHOOTING
2016
Pictured: Safwan Charbaji
DEATH OF A BIKIE KING
2018
The daylight execution of bikie boss Mick Hawi eight years after the Sydney Airport brawl sent ripples through the underworld.It had been three years since Hawi had been released from jail when he was gunned down. The reason for the execution remains a mystery.
Pictured: Mick Hawi
The brother of notorious gang leader Bassam Hamze was gunned down outside his Condell Park home. The assassination came after a string of public place shootings and brawls.
FAMILY GANGLAND RIVAL WARS
2020
Pictured: Mejiid Hamzy
Ghassan Amoun was killed in a daylight execution outside a western Sydney apartment, months after police had warned him he was a target.A man in a balaclava and stolen car opened fire. Police are yet to make any arrests.
DAYLIGHT MURDER
2022
HOW GANG HITS HAVE CHANGED
Experts say the prevalence of CCTV and advances in forensics means criminals have to meticulously plan executions.New technology, such as CCTV or DNA testing has forced crimes to apply more intricate planning.
Xanthe Mallett, Criminologist
It’s very lucrative and they’re very skilled. The police are trying to play catch-up to prevent more hits.
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Words: Joshua Hanrahan,Georgia ClarkKaitlyn Hudson-O'FarrellProducer: Bianca Farmakis																																								

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/web-stories/free/daily-telegraph/5-sydney-gangland-hits-that-shook-the-public