Self-radicalisation remains key terrorism threat in Singapore; ISIS propaganda still prevalent in cases: ISD , Singapore News

“At the same time, youths’ critical thinking and cognitive skills are still developing, which may make them more susceptible to selectively embracing ideas from different extremist ideologies, even when these ideas are contradictory,” the agency added.

It said the threat of CoVE is serious as radicalised individuals can be triggered to quickly plan or execute violent acts.

The agency also noted that individuals are becoming radicalised younger.

Online platforms, in particular gaming ones, continue to “feature prominently” in youth radicalisation cases.

Heightened threat of terrorism

Overall, ISD assessed the terror threat level to Singapore as remaining high.

It said ongoing conflicts in the Middle East has heightened threats worldwide, and terrorist and extremist groups are exploiting the events for their own extremist agenda.

Terrorist attacks abroad could inspire copycat attacks closer to home, said ISD, noting that there is currently no specific intelligence of an imminent terrorist attack against Singapore.

Nonetheless, Singapore remains an attractive target.

ISD pointed to a propaganda magazine published by the Islamic State Khorasan Province on March 9, which labelled Singapore and 63 other countries as “Lands of Disbelief”.

The US and Israel attack on Iran has also sparked anti-Semitic attacks in various countries.

A new terrorist group called Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (HAYI) has claimed a series of attacks and attempted attacks in Europe, Canada and the US.

“Of note, the HAYI-linked attacks involved a modus operandi known as ‘gig terrorism’, where organised crime groups and individuals with no apparent ideological motives, are recruited to perpetrate acts of terrorism in exchange for money,” ISD said.

An alleged operative of HAYI, Iranian-Iraqi national Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saad, had tried to visit Singapore on three separate occasions in 2023 and 2024, the agency revealed.

ISD said it is believed he had travelled to Southeast Asia in recent years.

“We do not discount the possibility that Baqer’s travel to this region could have been for terrorism purposes, and he could have set his sight on targeting Singapore, including US and Israeli /Jewish interests here,” it stated.

“ISD is working with our intelligence partners to investigate into Baqer’s activities.”

The agency also flagged an increased presence of Hamas-linked operatives and networks in Southeast Asia, which it said could increase the risk of the region being used for recruitment, facilitation, operational planning or attacks.

It said it collaborates closely with foreign intelligence and security counterparts to exchange intelligence and disrupt terror threats.

ISD said a total of 156 Singaporeans have been issued ISA orders since 2022.

Among them, 106 were issued orders of detention while 50 were issued restriction orders.

Of the 106 detained, 87 have since been released. Meanwhile, restriction orders against 40 of the 50 Singaporeans have since lapsed.

The agency urged the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected threats and suspected radicalisation cases.

“Doing so allows the individual to receive the timely help they need, and keeps society safe,” it added.

Members of the public can report such cases via the ISD hotline at 1800-2626-473 or email isd@mha.gov.sg

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lim.kewei@asiaone.com