Malaysia: Police arrest six individuals linked to IS May 3

Event

Security forces reportedly detained six people linked to the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group following a month-long operation on Wednesday, May 3. Four men and two women were arrested in the states of Kelantan, Pahang, Malacca, Johor, and Penang. Two among those arrested are suspected of smuggling arms into the country from neighboring southern Thailand.

Context

In January 2016, the Malaysian police placed the country on the highest security alert level. On June 28, 2016, a grenade attack at a bar in the town of Puchong injured eight people. Local authorities later confirmed that it was a terrorist attack perpetrated by individuals with links to the Islamic State (IS) group.

Advice

No country is exempt from the risk of terrorist attack; remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities.