KUALA LUMPUR: Three Islamic State (IS) militants were detained in Sandakan before they could make their way to Marawi City in the southern Philippines, said Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.
The Inspector-General of Police said the three men, two Indonesians and a Malaysian, were planning to join other fighters there before counter-terrorism operatives nabbed them on Thursday.
The arrests followed the detention of another Indonesian man in Slim River, Perak, on Monday for suspected involvement with IS, the IGP said.
“We believe the three (arrested in Sandakan) were planning to go to Marawi City to fight for the terror group,” he told a press conference after witnessing the handing-over ceremony for the Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director’s post here yesterday.
It is believed that the trio intended to join the Maute terror group in Marawi City.
Three “Rambo” knives and IS-related documents were also seized from the suspects, Khalid added.
It is learnt that the 48-year-old Malaysian man ran his own business while the two Indonesian men, aged 24 and 36, were a lorry driver and construction worker.
The IGP said the man detained in Slim River had been planning to attack police personnel in the area.
It is learnt that the 34-year-old man facilitated travel for IS militants to southern Philippines.
A source said: “He is also responsible for influencing militants in Malaysia and Indonesia to kill the top leaders in their countries as they are seen as infidels.
“They are viewed as such because they did not swear an oath of allegiance to IS leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi.
“The suspect also influenced militants to plan attacks on houses of worship in Malaysia and the casino in Genting Highlands.”
All four suspects were detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) 2012.
Khalid said the police would intensify efforts to prepare for any untoward incident.
“We will use all resources to ensure that the country and the people are safe,” he added.
Sandakan town came to a standstill when a mid-afternoon police operation unfolded in full view of the public.
Policemen, believed to be from Bukit Aman, moved in to arrest two men in the downtown area at about 3pm on Thursday.
Photographs and video clips shared on social media showed a police team in bulletproof vests arresting the suspects.
Read more at http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/06/17/is-militants-nabbed-in-sandakan-trio-believed-to-be-on-way-to-join-terror-group-in-marawi-city/#UCc8bXHpvaowUBaE.99
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