Malaysia: Terror cell uncovered in Malaysia May 5

Event

Police uncovered an Islamic State (IS) group cell where militants smuggled weapons into Malaysia from southern Thailand. The suspected militants were reportedly stockpiling weapons for about a year to prepare attacks in Malaysia and abroad. The cell, based in the state of Kelantan, which borders Thailand, was exposed when police arrested six people following a month-long nationwide security operation. The arrests are believed to be the first time that security forces have uncovered a weapon-smuggling network of militants linked to IS in Malaysia.

Context

Two IS members were arrested in Kelantan on March 24 and 25, while another escaped to Golok in southern Thailand. Meanwhile, four other IS militants, including two women, were detained in Malacca, Penang, Johor, and Selangor. Between 2013 and 2016, police have arrested more than 250 IS suspects, most of them Malaysian citizens. More than 90 among them have been referred to court, with at least 48 sentenced to jail.

Advice

Individuals present in Malaysia should remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities. Due to a high risk of terrorist attack, always be on guard when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.).