Six Indonesian militants, including an Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) fighter, were arrested on Friday for plotting a missile attack at Singapore’s Marina Bay, Indonesian Police said.
The men, aged between 19 and 46, were arrested from various locations across Batam in Indonesia. A stash of weapons was found at one of the locations, a housing complex, the Strait Times reported.
From Katibah Gigih Rahmat network
The suspects, who belong to Katibah Gigih Rahmat network, had planned to launch a rocket from Batam to Marina Bay, an Indonesian Police spokesman said.
The group was led by 31-year-old Gigih Rahmat Dewa. One of his associates — Bahrun Naim — an Indonesian militant is believed to have fought alongside the IS in Syria, he said.
The plan to fire a rocket missile from Batam was hatched with the help of Naim.
Motive unknown
“Yes, there were indeed plans for the attack. But the plans did not materialise,” police spokesperson Boy Rafli Amar said. He said police had yet to determine the motive behind the plot or when the suspects were planning to launch the attack with rocket missiles — evidence of which has not been found.
Marina Bay is an extension of the central business district with international convention centres, hotels and posh offices as well as a highway with a bridge over the waterfront and another thoroughfare road-tunnel.
Singapore steps up security
Singapore today stepped up security measures after the terror bid was foiled.
Singapore’s Home Ministry said that it was aware of the plans made by six suspected Indonesian militants to launch a rocket from the Indonesian island of Batam.
“Our security agencies have been coordinating closely with the Indonesian authorities since the discovery of this attack plot, to monitor the activities of the group and to apprehend those involved,” said a statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Grateful to Indonesian authorities
“We are grateful for the good cooperation by the Indonesian authorities and their actions to apprehend the group,” it said.
The attack plot “highlights the seriousness of the terrorism threat to Singapore,” it said while advising Singaporeans to remain vigilant.
