SINGAPORE: The terrorism threat has grown more severe since the watershed events of 911, said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean on Thursday (Apr 16) at the East Asia symposium on religious rehabilitation and social integration.

He cited the rise of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), which “has exploited Islam, distorting religious tenets to serve violent political agenda”.

Emerging challenges include the “returnees” threat – foreign fighters who may continue with ISIS’ violent agenda, even after they leave Syria or Iraq. Mr Teo, who is also Home Affairs Minister, said this new generation of foreign fighters will pose an international security threat for decades to come.