Singapore Must Stay Vigilant as ISIS Eyes Region: Analysts

The Straits Times

23 October 2017

Singapore may not be an immediate target for Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) supporters after the terror group suffered defeats in Raqqa and Marawi.

But terror analysts warn that the Republic must keep its guard up, as battle-hardened fighters return home from these frontline areas and with ISIS likely to ramp up attacks in the region – starting with countries where it already has a substantial base of supporters.

Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) research fellow Graham Ong-Webb agreed that Singapore’s support in the global fight against terror – for instance providing intelligence, medical and logistical support to the anti-ISIS coalition in the Middle East – has shone a spotlight on the country.

Professor Rohan Gunaratna from RSIS said that Singapore remains the prime target in South-east Asia, due to its pre-eminent status as a global hub.

However, it is “exceptionally hard” to strike Singapore, which has invested much in security and has strong intelligence links in the region, he noted. Recent enhancements include passing a Bill last month to tighten security for strategic infrastructure.

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Last updated on 23/10/2017