SINGAPORE (ANN/STRAITS TIMES) – Southeast Asia continues to grapple with an active terror threat, primarily from the ISIS militant group, according to Singapore’s Internal Security Department (ISD).
In its annual report on terrorism released on July 25, ISD noted the persistence of ISIS-linked or ISIS-inspired attacks and foiled plots in the region.
On May 17, a radicalised man, likely influenced by ISIS’s violent ideology, attacked a police station in Ulu Tiram, Johor, with a machete, killing two police officers and injuring a third. ISD highlighted this incident to underscore the ongoing appeal of radical ideologies like those promoted by ISIS among vulnerable individuals.
“This attack, carried out with an easily accessible bladed weapon, underscores the serious threat posed by lone-actor attacks involving simple means,” ISD stated.
The attacker, a 21-year-old Malaysian, was shot dead by a police officer at the scene. His five family members were subsequently charged with terrorism-related offenses.
ISD emphasised that Singapore remains a prime target, frequently featured in ISIS propaganda. A comment made in March on a pro-ISIS website forum urged mujahideen to attack “Chinese outside China” in Muslim and Western countries, specifically mentioning Malaysia and Singapore.
ISIS supporters in Southeast Asia use online platforms to connect with like-minded individuals and incite violence. ISD pointed to the Philippines-based pro-ISIS media group, Al Fursan Media Foundation, which reportedly collaborated with pro-ISIS groups in Malaysia.
Regarding Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), ISD stated that the threat from the terror group persists despite its senior leadership announcing its dissolution on June 30. The Indonesian authorities have significantly weakened JI through pre-emptive strikes and arrests since 2019. However, ISD warned that dissenting factions within JI might splinter and carry out attacks to demonstrate their commitment to armed jihad.
“Some JI members may continue to propagate the group’s ultimate ambition of establishing an Islamic caliphate in Southeast Asia,” ISD added.
Nevertheless, ISD acknowledged strong counter-terrorism efforts in Southeast Asia. For instance, security operations in the Philippines have weakened the operational capabilities of the Abu Sayyaf group. The group’s sub-leader and bomb-maker, Mundi Sawadjaan, was killed in December 2023 during a foiled escape attempt by Philippine security forces.
Indonesia did not experience any terror attacks in 2023, with authorities arresting nearly 150 individuals in counter-terrorism operations.
A survey conducted by the then Ministry of Communications and Information found that 49 per cent of Singapore residents believed the Republic was a target for terrorist attacks, and 67 per cent agreed that they were generally alert to suspicious behaviors or items in public places. The survey, which polled over 2,000 Singaporeans and permanent residents from March to June 2023, also revealed that 92 per cent of participants were willing to assist other Singaporeans in a national crisis like a terrorist attack.
ISD emphasised that public vigilance and preparedness are key to Singapore’s defense against terrorism. “Authorities may not always be able to neutralise plots before they are actualised or identify radicalised individuals before they act,” ISD said. “It is critical that the public remains vigilant to the possibility of a terrorist attack and that such an attack may be successful.”
Signs of possible radicalization include sharing extremist views on social media platforms and making remarks that promote ill-will or hatred towards people of other races and religions.
