Malaysia's police confirm IS link to nightclub grenade attack

This is believed to be the first successful attempt in the country by the militant group.

The Movida bar is pictured after a grenade attack in Puchong, on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on June 28, 2016.

Malaysian authorities on Monday confirmed that the Islamic State (IS) was responsible for a grenade attack on a nightspot last week, which is believed to be the first successful attempt in the country by the militant group.

Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar said two men have been arrested in connection to the attack, and that they received direct instructions from Muhammad Wanndy Mohamed Jedi, a known Malaysian IS fighter.

‘We are a threat to IS’

“The two of those arrested had received instructions from Muhammad Wanndy, who had commanded them to carry out attacks in Malaysia, on our government leaders, top police officials and judges. These three groups are considered as threatening to IS activities,” Mr. Abu Bakar said at a news conference. Police are hunting for two more people believed to have been directly involved in the nightclub attack, he added.

Police had on June 28 ruled out terrorism as a motive for the pre-dawn attack, which took place as customers were watching a live screening of the Euro football tournament.

After IS claim on Facebook

Investigators initially said that a business rivalry, or a targeted attack on someone in the bar, were the more likely motives, but were forced to reassess their position a day later after an IS claim of responsibility was posted on Facebook.

Mr. Abu Bakar said police also arrested 13 others, including two low-ranking police officers, in a counter-terrorism crackdown in the aftermath of the grenade attack. He said those detained during the crackdown had all received instructions to carry out attacks on top officials “and also entertainment centres, which they consider un-Islamic.”

All those detained, including the two linked directly to the attack, are Malaysians.

IS video

The IS recently released a video of its fighters from Southeast Asia calling on its supporters to stay home and unify under one umbrella group to launch attacks in the region.