In its annual report entitled “Singapore Terrorism Threat Assessment Report 2024”, Singapore’s Department of National Security (ISD) warns that Islamic extremists are exploiting the Palestinian-Israeli conflict to further their agenda in the city-state. It believes that “the main threat factor remains online self-radicalisation”.
Kuala Lumpur () – In a security report released a few days ago, Singapore’s Internal Security Department (ISD) explains that, although there are no indications of an imminent attack, the terrorist threat in the city-state – which will host a visit by Pope Francis in September – remains high. Indeed, it has increased considerably since the Palestinian-Israeli conflict worsened following the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023. The “Singapore Terrorism Threat Assessment Report 2024” states that “the conflict has generated emotional responses around the world, including acts of violence, and terrorist elements have taken advantage of the conflict to promote their agenda by calling for attacks to be carried out.”
These reactions have also had an impact in the Southeast Asia region. “There has been an increase in anti-Singapore rhetoric on social media from regional extremist elements,” the report continued. Some key observations cited show that Islamic terrorism remains at the forefront of the global terrorist threat landscape, especially from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). ISIS has become a secretive organisation, is behind the long-running insurgency in Iraq and Syria and is waging a global terror campaign, while Al Qaeda remains a latent threat. The ISD report also states that the main threat actor in Southeast Asia is ISIS. According to the report, foiled attacks and plots linked to or inspired by ISIS are continually occurring in the region.
“The main threat factor in Singapore remains online self-radicalisation. Since 2015, 52 self-radicalised individuals (including 40 Singaporeans and 12 foreigners) have been dealt with under the Internal Security Act. Youth radicalisation is of particular concern. Thirteen of the 52 were under the age of 20,” the report said. The ISD also records that since the last report – which was published in July 2023 – the department has dealt with three cases of self-radicalisation and restraining orders were issued under the ISA: two were teenagers aged 14 and 16, and the third a woman aged 33.
“The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas led to the radicalisation of the 14-year-old boy and the 33-year-old woman. Far-right ideologies radicalised the 16-year-old,” it continues. The population is also called upon to be vigilant, stating that vigilance and preparedness are essential to defend the country from terrorism. “The authorities will not always be able to neutralise plots before they materialise or identify radicalised individuals before they act. It is essential that public opinion is very alert to the possibility of a terrorist attack in the country and that such an attack can be successful,” the ISD concludes.
Singapore’s Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam also said in June that Singapore is a major target for terrorists. He said recent attacks and arrests in neighbouring Malaysia were a reminder of the potential threat and that Singapore must remain on high alert. “Our security is closely intertwined with Malaysia’s. Because of the proximity, what happens in Malaysia will impact our security landscape,” Shanmugam said.
A police station in Ulu Tiram, in the Malaysian state of Johor bordering Singapore, was attacked in May by a lone wolf who killed two police officers and injured another. The attacker was immediately killed by police and five members of his family were tried under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA). Last week in Johor, a former teacher and a businessman were charged by the Johor Baru Court with possessing material related to the Islamic State terrorist group.
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