LETTER | The modus operandi used by terrorists in attacks around the world was again used on noncombatants. 

It is a troubling and sick narrative.

Just from analysing the reports on the news, it is obvious that these are all classic cases of a weaponised vehicle used to inflict maximum carnage on the innocent public. This form of terrorism is not uncommon, based on recent terrorist attacks around the world.

In Melbourne, Australia, a car deliberately ploughed into pedestrians at a crowded intersection in the Australian city of Melbourne.

At the time of writing, 14 people were injured. 

The driver and his accomplice have been detained.

Though the Australian Police have yet to state the motive for the attack, it has the chilling echoes of past attacks by Islamist militants in various parts of the world over the last two years.

I was in the UK when two of those attacks took place. 

However, what I find strange is, in January this year, four people were killed and 20 more injured when a man deliberately drove into pedestrians at a spot just a few hundred metres away from the incident and we had claims that the incident was not terrorism-related.

I trust the police will have no difficulty in addressing what is clearly a deliberate act of terrorism for the Melbourne attack. 

A witness account said the vehicle was used as a weapon to kill travelling at 80 - 100 kilometres an hour on Flinders Street, a major road that runs alongside the Yarra River, in the central business district of Melbourne is a popular place and more so just days before Christmas.

Reports indicate that the police have arrested two men.

I am indeed glad that based on the said methods of this attack, Victoria police commander Russell Barrett has told reporters that they believe this was a deliberate act. 

It is now very critical that Australia’s federal and state police, security and intelligence teams set up a taskforce to work together to secure the scene and investigate this tragedy.

There should be a comprehensive probe and all parties involved in this heinous act of terrorism which includes those who aided, abetted, financed and had knowledge of this vicious attack be rounded up.

My heartfelt thoughts, prayers, vigil goes out to the victims, their families, the emergency and healthcare teams and those who continue to work round the clock to make certain that those responsible for this attack are brought to justice.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.