Malaysian leaders on IS hit list
It seems that radical group Islamic State (IS) had planned to kidnap top Malaysian leaders, in exchange for the release of its militants detained in the country.
According to Malaysian intelligence, two militants who were arrested and charged earlier in the year had drawn up an elaborate plan to bring the targeted leaders to a secluded area in the Klang Valley, reported The Star.
Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter Terrorism Division head, Senior Assistant Commissioner Datuk Ayob Khan, revealed on Monday (Nov 16): “The IS was only out to secure the freedom of their fellow militants in Sungai Buloh Prison. It was not about making any ransom demand."
However, he described the threat of the IS in Malaysia as "real", as members are more active in carrying out attacks in their home countries.
He told The Star that the main priority is to stop lecturer-turned-militant Dr Mahmud Ahmad from "his goal of getting to Syria and swearing an oath of allegiance before IS supremo Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi" and forming a regional IS bloc.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said on Sunday (Nov 15) that several Malaysian leaders, including himself, were on the IS “hit list”.
The police in Malaysia have been on high alert since the Paris attacks last Friday (Nov 13) and have tightened surveillance and security at all major entry points to prevent any militants form going to Syria.
According to Today, preparations for the Asean Summit being held this week in Malaysia are also reconsidered.
According to Federal police Internal Security and Public Order Department director Muhammad Fuad Abu Zarim, over 4,000 police personnel, including the police bomb squad, will be deployed during the summit.
Foreign delegates will also be allowed to bring their own armed escorts, after applying for an interim licence from the local police force.
To date, more than a hundred individuals suspected of militant activities have been caught by the Malaysian police, reported Today.
Sources: The Star, Today
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