Malaysia: Abu Sayyaf leader arrested and seven followers arrested

Event

On Sunday, September 3, Malaysian policies announced the arrest of a suspected leader of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group in Kuala Lumpur, as well as seven other members of the Islamic State (IS)-linked organization, currently active in neighboring Philippines.

This is the latest arrest of suspected terrorists amid an ongoing crackdown by the Malaysian government to root out militant groups from the country. Radicalization and the possible expansion of IS ideology continue to spark fear in the Muslim majority country. 

Context

As a reminder, the Abu Sayyaf group is a jihadist militant group, affiliated with IS, active in the southwestern part of the Philippines. It is notorious for kidnapping people for ransom especially in southwest Mindanao and in the Sulu Archipelago. Sailors and foreigners are regularly abducted in the Sulu Sea.

On May 23, significant fighting erupted in Marawi, following a botched government raid on a hideout sheltering Isnilon Hapilon, a commander of the Abu Sayyaf militant group. The Filipino army launched a final offensive on August 29 in Marawi in an effort to remove all IS-affiliated militants from the city and regain full control of the area.

Since Marawi was declared as IS’s regional headquarters, their growing presence and influence has become a chief public concern for countries in South and Southeastern Asia.

Advice

Individuals in Malaysia are advised to remain vigilant and to adhere to all instructions issued by authorities.