18-10-2024 (SINGAPORE) Singapore’s Internal Security Department (ISD) announced on Friday the arrest of a 17-year-old self-radicalised Singaporean student under the Internal Security Act (ISA). The youth, described as a “staunch” supporter of the Islamic State (IS), was apprehended in August, mere weeks before he intended to carry out a terror attack in the country’s Housing Board heartlands.
The teenager’s plan, which was set to unfold during the September school holidays, involved attacking non-Muslim males near Tampines West Community Centre. His weapon of choice was to be either a kitchen knife or a pair of scissors from his home, highlighting the alarming trend of potential attackers using easily accessible weapons.
According to the ISD, the youth had taken “concrete steps” to prepare for his assault. He had conducted a walk-through of his planned route in June and had even practised different stabbing motions to ensure maximum damage to his targets. The location was chosen for its high foot traffic and proximity to his residence.
In a disturbing twist, the teenager harboured aspirations of martyrdom, intending to be killed by police or bystanders during his attack. He had crafted a declaration of armed jihad, which he planned to release prior to his assault, hoping to inspire other Muslims to engage in armed violence.
The ISD revealed that the youth’s radicalisation journey began in August 2023 when he encountered teachings of foreign radical preachers online while searching for religious knowledge. His exposure to pro-IS material intensified following the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023, which led to a surge in online extremist content.
By January, the teenager was fully committed to the IS cause, even taking a pledge of allegiance to the group in May. He not only planned the attack in Singapore but also harboured intentions to travel to Syria to join IS and engage in armed conflict.
The youth’s radicalisation remained hidden from his family and friends, with the teenager taking steps to conceal his activities. He used code words when discussing his radical beliefs online and employed virtual private networks while browsing extremist websites.
This case underscores a worrying trend of youth radicalisation in Singapore, with the ISD noting that such processes can occur within a few months, primarily through online channels. It also highlights the growing threat of lone-actor attacks on soft targets using simple, easily obtainable weapons.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenge faced by security agencies in combating extremism and protecting communities from homegrown threats. It raises questions about the effectiveness of current preventive measures and the need for increased vigilance and education to safeguard vulnerable youth from online radicalisation.
