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Comanchero bikie boss Tarek Zahed left blinded, amputation fears after shooting

The bikie boss severely injured in the shooting that killed his brother is reportedly facing amputation fears and could be left blind.

Police set up ‘super taskforce’ to fight Sydney's gangland executions

The Comanchero Bikie boss who survived a execution-style shooting that took the life of his brother is reportedly facing amputation fears and concerns he may be left blind.

Tarek Zahed, 41, and his brother Omar Zahed, 39, were struck by a hail of bullets after leaving the Bodyfit gym in Auburn on the night of Tuesday, May 10. Omar, died at the scene after going into cardiac arrest, while Tarek miraculously survived despite sustaining 10 gunshot wounds to his body and head.

Tarek Zahed remains in a serious but stable condition at Westmead Hospital. Picture: NCA NewsWire / James Gourley.
Tarek Zahed remains in a serious but stable condition at Westmead Hospital. Picture: NCA NewsWire / James Gourley.

Sources say Tarek remains intubated and in a serious but stable condition at Westmead Hospital, the Daily Telegraph reports.

There is also the possibility the gunshot wounds may have severely diminished his eyesight. The publication reports a prior incident left Tarek with only 20 to 30 per cent vision in his left eye, while the recent attack may have caused him to lose vision in his right.

Coupled with his extensive injuries to his arms, legs and pelvis, the source said it was a “real wait and see situation”.

“So with him likely being blind in his right eye now, he will be almost completely unable to see,” they said.

“They don’t know what will happen with his arm and legs, they were shredded by the bullets.”

Despite assistance from emergency service personnel, Omar Zahed died at the scene. Picture: Supplied
Despite assistance from emergency service personnel, Omar Zahed died at the scene. Picture: Supplied
The shooting also left brother Tarek Zahed with 10 gun shot wounds to his head and body. Picture: Supplied
The shooting also left brother Tarek Zahed with 10 gun shot wounds to his head and body. Picture: Supplied

Prior to the shooting, police had made the brothers aware that Tarek had a $1 million bounty on his life and that their lives were in danger.

In the aftermath of the attack, Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the brothers had been encouraged to leave the state just days before the shooting.

“I can’t help people that can’t help themselves,” she said.

Given the recent spate of gangland attacks throughout Sydney, the State Crime Command have initiated Taskforce Erebus in order to prevent and disrupt serious criminal activity across the state.

Omar Zahed, the brother of Tarek Zahed, died after going into cardiac arrest at the scene. Picture: Facebook.
Omar Zahed, the brother of Tarek Zahed, died after going into cardiac arrest at the scene. Picture: Facebook.
The Bodyfit gym where the attack occurred was left in ruins. Picture: Liam Mendes / The Australian.
The Bodyfit gym where the attack occurred was left in ruins. Picture: Liam Mendes / The Australian.

As of Tuesday, the taskforce have made seven arrests and seized three firearms allegedly linked to outlaw motorcycle gangs.

State Crime Commander Mick Fitzgerald said he believed drugs are likely the common denominator among the latest shootings.

“There’s people owed money, so there are conflicts … people are threatening people within that criminal milieu on a daily basis,” he said.

Just days after the Auburn shooting, the 23-year-old nephew of notorious gangster Mahmoud ‘Brownie’ Ahmad was also shot dead outside his home. Rami Iskander was killed just metres away from his pregnant wife and two-year-old son.

The incident happened just 41 days after the death of his uncle, who died under similar circumstances.

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/crime/comanchero-bikie-boss-tarek-zahed-left-blinded-amputation-fears-after-shooting/news-story/deb340b71ba9cccc1bbc6f3bd4e2543e