Sydney/IBNS, Dec. 17 -- As footage of a lone bystander disarming one of the gunmen during the deadlyBondi Beach terror attackspread across the world, many questioned how he found the courage to act under fire.

New details have now emerged aboutAhmed Al Ahmed, the man whose split-second intervention helped save countless lives.

Relatives have revealed that Al Ahmed, 44, previously served as a police officer and member of Syria's central security forces before migrating to Australia nearly two decades ago.

Al Ahmed had gone to Bondi Beach on Sunday evening to meet a friend for coffee when chaos erupted.

Two attackers, identified as Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram, opened fire on a Jewish religious gathering marking the first day of...