The Malaysian Insider – 4 hours agoRELATED CONTENT
- Malaysians give up life, wealth to join Sunni militancy in Iraq, says report
At least 30 Malaysians are said to have joined an Iraqi Sunni militant group, the New Straits Times reported yesterday, citing intelligence reports.
The paper said the men have joined the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Isil), a coalition of several Sunni militant groups whose aim is to establish a caliphate across Iraq and neighbouring Syria.
The paper said the Malaysians were recruited through the Internet as well as small religious study groups known as usrah and efforts are under way to recruit more.
The daily said two of the 15 suspects recently netted by Malaysian Special Branch for alleged militant activities were behind the recruitment drive.
Some had disposed of their properties to join the "struggle", which they believe was to "liberate the Sunnis", the report said, adding that others have been killed in fighting.
The revelation comes as Malaysian police continue to arrest more people linked to militant groups in Iraq and Syria, the latter where a violent uprising against President Bashar al-Assad's regime has led to proliferation of armed rebel groups from neighbouring regions.
On Friday, a Malaysian navy officer was among three arrested for suspected involvement in planning for suicide bombing missions in Syria and Iraq.
The arrest brings to 15 the number of people held for alleged links to terrorist groups.
Yesterday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said action would be taken against Malaysians going overseas to participate in militant activities.
"Information is collected, and if they step foot in Malaysia, we will definitely nab them and charge them," Zahid was quoted by Bernama as saying yesterday. – June 17, 2014.
