Terror Threat in South-east Asia Intensifies

The Straits Times

21 July 2018

Counter-terrorism agencies are uncovering more attack plots in Indonesia and Malaysia as local militant groups and extremist sympathisers turn their attention to striking at home as ISIS falls to coalition forces in the Middle East. The arrests show that radical ideology still has foothold in the region, but RSIS’ Dr Graham Ong-Webb said they also show the growing competency of regional authorities in countering terrorism, bolstered by stronger collaboration. Mr Cameron Sumpter from RSIS’ Centre of Excellence for National Security said there will have been an increased focus on trying to attack targets at home, as opportunities to pursue militant jihad in the Middle East and Southern Philippines have dissipated. Mr Remy Mahzam from the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research said government agencies and security agencies need to actively engage religious authorities and education institutions to help dispel the spread of salafi jihadi ideology.

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