Notorious gang member arrested over alleged drug charges; US unleashes round of strikes | 9 News

In this comprehensive breaking news update, we bring you the latest developments on major domestic criminal crackdowns, explosive Middle East geopolitical escalations, and high-profile police manhunts. First, one of Australia's most notorious gang rapists, Mohammed Skaf, is back behind bars under heavy police guard at Bankstown Lidcombe Hospital. Reporting live, Hayley Francis breaks down the dramatic late-night intercept in Greenacre, where New South Wales Police officers dismantled a commercial drug syndicate. Skaf, 42, was allegedly caught with 140 grams of cocaine and $25,000 in cash. Subsequent raids uncovered an additional $225,000 in illicit cash, further cocaine stores, and MDMA. Two co-accused, a 51-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman, were also charged. Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Walsh alleged that Skaf acted as the main principal director of the entire syndicate, coordinating "runners" across South-West Sydney. Skaf now faces 24 significant drug charges. In global news, the threat of all-out war looms as the United States unleashes a fresh round of defensive air strikes on multiple sites inside Iran, including hitting an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman. US Correspondent Lily Greer reports on the intense tip-for-tap escalation following Iran’s downing of an American helicopter. While US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth warned that strikes will continue, President Donald Trump has indicated that military actions may stop shortly after direct discussions with top Iranian officials seeking a ceasefire. Domestically, Federal Politics Reporter Amalee Saunders details why Opposition Leader Angus Taylor is flatly rejecting preference seat deals with Pauline Hanson's One Nation party, despite Hanson raising $1.8 million for a targeted campaign against Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Finally, a massive manhunt continues for escaped Victoria Police prisoner Orijol Rukaj, who vanished during a supervised funeral visit in Melbourne. Watch the full broadcast for on-the-scene analysis. Subscribe to keep watching for regular updates. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - 00:19 Breaking News: Notorious Gang Rapist Mohammed Skaf Arrested 00:19 - 01:16 Inside the Greenacre Drug Syndicate Raid and Cash Seizures 01:16 - 01:46 Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Walsh Details Skaf’s Leveled Charges 01:46 - 02:44 US Strikes Iran: Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth Issue Warnings 02:44 - 03:23 Strait of Hormuz Shipping Red Alert: Fake News vs Reality Clash 03:23 - 04:39 Angus Taylor Snubs Pauline Hanson's $1.8M One Nation Preference Deal 04:39 - 05:14 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Criticises "Fringe" Liberal Strategy 05:14 - 05:50 Victoria Manhunt: Escaped Prisoner Orijol Rukaj Flees Melbourne Funeral 05:50 - 06:19 AFL South Australia Deal: Gather Round Locked in for Three More Years | *Subscribe and 🔔: http://9Soci.al/KM6e50GjSK9* *Get more breaking news at 9News.com.au: http://9Soci.al/iyCO50GjSK6* FOLLOW 9News Australia ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/9News/ ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/9NewsAUS ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9news/ Join 9News for the latest in news and events that affect you in your local city, as well as news from across Australia and the world. #9News #BreakingNews #NineNewsAustralia #9NewsAU