Singapore’s ISD warns of spillover effects on region from terror groups exploiting Syria’s instability, says ‘fluid situation bears watching’

The ISD cautioned against those who intend to use military assault in Singapore or elsewhere. &nbsp,

It was responding to CNA’s question last week regarding whether criminal organizations could use the present situation in Syria to spread their wings, including in Southeast Asia and Singapore. &nbsp,

The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham ( HTS ) rebels seized control of Damascus and other significant Syrian cities on December 7. After nightfall, reports emerged Assad had fled the country for Russia.

The ending of Syria’s 13-year issue, which claimed over 580, 000 lives and displaced 12 million people, came with the fall of Assad. &nbsp,

Units claims to still have connections to any criminal system, but the UN Security Council and many other nations have continued to label it a terrorist organization.

In the midst of Assad’s impeachment, experts told CNA Southeast Asian regulators must be vigilant.

However, some experts believe that Southeast Asia’s current threat of a new wave of fanaticism is comparatively lower.

The ISD warned that it would take legal action against those who intend to use military force in Singapore or elsewhere.

” We will not hesitate to take strong activities against any person who supports, promotes, tries or makes arrangements to engage in military crime, be it in Singapore or overseas”, a spokesperson said. &nbsp,

In the past, the ISD has detained radicalized Singapore who intended to travel to Syria and participate in armed conflict. &nbsp,

In October, a 17-year-old Taiwanese student was arrested less than a quarter before his plan to carry out a terror attack in Singapore’s strongholds. Additionally, the youth intended to use military violence and journey to Syria to meet the Islamic State. &nbsp,

Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam reported in July that two Singaporeans had received limitations requests for supporting violence and armed assault. After Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, they radicalized.

The youngest person ever to receive a restriction order under the Internal Security Act ( ISA ) was a 14-year-old boy, and the other a 33-year-old woman who worked as a manager for a statutory board.

An 18-year-old Singaporean IS follower was detained in December 2022 after considering attacking priorities, including an army tent and a grave at a mosque in Singapore, in February of last year, according to the ISD, who was detained in that regard. The pupil had likewise intended to travel globally, including to Syria, to participate in military assault. &nbsp,

Two additional youth who the student’s student’s student’s online contacts were also given ISA orders for terrorism-related activities.

The ISD urged the general public to stay alert for signs that their neighbors may have resented radicalization and report them to the government. Islamist views that are posted or shared on social media, support or admiration for terrorists or criminal organizations, and the use of violence are potential indicators of radicalization.

Anyone who knows or suspects that a person has been radicalised should contact ISD’s hotline at 1800 2626 473 ( 1800-2626-ISD ), the spokesperson added.