The fourth quarter of Terrorism Watch 2024 explores the most recent events and developments pertaining to terror-related incidents in Southeast Asia and significant incidents worldwide from October to December 2024.
Countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, and Turkey continue to experience terrorism as a result of persistent hostilities. Terrorist organizations frequently exploit the Israel-Palestine conflict to incite solitary assaults. Anti-Semitic feelings are persistently exploited by proponents and sympathizers of terrorist organizations to garner support. The collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime in Syria may precipitate a new surge of global terrorism and potentially facilitate the resurrection of Daesh.
The proliferation of extremism, radicalism, and terrorist ideologies via media in Southeast Asia continues to rise, particularly in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore. Nonetheless, preventive efforts such as arrests, aimed at deterring attacks, along with PCVE actions implemented by authorities in all three nations, are regarded as efficient in managing terrorist activity.
Some groups of deviant teachings that promote hateful and extreme sentiment, designating non-followers as misguided, infidels, or polytheists, pose a threat of violence. This matter is regarded as having the potential to jeopardize national security and may even have implications for the Muslim community’s takfir. Malaysia’s decision to return Farik Amin and Nazir Lep, who are suspected of being involved in the Bali explosion, from Guantanamo Bay is perceived as an attempt to grant them the rights that were denied to them during their detention.
In summary, the global and regional terrorism threat is expected to increase during the fourth quarter of 2024. The threat perception has evolved to encompass the dissemination of narratives in cyberspace, particularly on social media. Countries, particularly those in this region, must implement drastic measures to address the issue.
Global Trend
The fourth quarter of 2024 is marked by significant events in numerous countries worldwide. In addition to the most recent developments in European, Middle Eastern, and African countries, the threat of terrorism has experienced a substantial increase at both the global and regional levels. The threat of terrorism is on the rise, both locally and globally, particularly in the wake of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Terrorist organizations, particularly Daesh, continue to employ social media as an extremely effective method of disseminating their ideology. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) are responsible for conducting routine monitoring of social media content and video applications, including YouTube, that have the potential to jeopardize national security. If necessary, these applications can be blocked from being accessed by Malaysians.
The following are the highlights of recent terrorism-related occurrences around the world:
Afghanistan
On 20 Oct 24, the Afghan Taliban apprehended seven suspected militants from the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) network in the Baharak district of Afghanistan. All of the ISKP terrorist suspects were apprehended on suspicion of collaborating with the Daesh terrorist organization, which is based in Syria and Iraq, with the intention of establishing terrorism in Afghanistan. Additionally, the United Nations (UN) Security Council reported that Daesh has aspirations to establish a caliphate in Afghanistan following its defeat in Syria and Iraq.
On 4 Dec 24, in Kunar province, Afghanistan, a conflict resulted in the deaths of Rahimullah @ Shaheed Umar Bajauri, a senior leader of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and three other leaders. Shaheed Umar was the military strategist for the TTP and was instrumental in the coordination of attacks on Pakistani forces, notably in border regions. Commander Tariq Bajauri, Commander Adnan Bajauri, and Commander Khaksar were the three terrorists who were also slain.
On 11 Dec 24, at least four individuals, including Khalil Ur-Rahman Haqqani, the Afghan Taliban’s Minister of Refugees, were killed in a suicide explosion at the ministry’s headquarters in Kabul. The ISKP terrorist group was suspected of perpetrating the attack. The assailants initiated the incident by disguising themselves as visitors and feigning physical disability. They then proceeded to target Khalil Ur-Rahman with explosives as he exited his office to pray.
Despite the fact that Afghanistan has not yet established a comprehensive international diplomatic partnership, it is entirely committed to the fight against Daesh, particularly ISKP, which is a threat to Afghan security and adheres to a distinct ideology. Daesh appears to be attempting to reestablish its objectives in Afghanistan following the collapse of the caliphate in Syria and Iraq. This is likely due to the fact that Afghanistan is located in the Khorasan region, which is the location from which the black banners originated. Additionally, the ISKP terrorist organization frequently targets government officials and Afghan security personnel in its attacks on the current Afghan leaders. The Taliban was unquestionably dealt a substantial blow by this suicide attack that targeted the Afghan Minister of Refugees. This is also perceived as creating an opportunity for a division within the Afghan Taliban coalition as a result of a variety of factors related to the country’s security and political concerns. ISKP is also observed attacking terrorist groups that are not affiliated with it, such as the TTP, which is likely a rival on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Additionally, the majority of TTP members are former Daesh members who departed due to their belief that the Daesh struggle was no longer pertinent. In order to restore the confidence of the Afghan people and other nations in the current Taliban administration, the Afghan Taliban must implement preemptive measures against ISKP. With the ongoing operations against the ISKP terrorist group within the country, Afghanistan is anticipated to improve security measures.
Pakistan
On 10 Dec 24, in the Sambaza region of Zhob district, Balochistan, Pakistani forces conducted an operation that resulted in the deaths of one soldier and 15 TTP terrorists. Sepoy Arifur Rehman, a Pakistani trooper, was killed in the ferocious combat. Additionally, a substantial quantity of explosives, ammunition, and weaponry that belonged to the deceased TTP militants were confiscated during the operation.
On 21 Dec 24, a terrorist ambush occurred at the Lita Sar checkpoint in Makeen, South Waziristan district, resulting in the deaths of 16 Pakistani security personnel. The TTP terrorist organization, which also killed eight terrorists, orchestrated the attack on Pakistani security personnel.
The incidence of TTP terrorist attacks is on the rise, particularly in the border regions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which encompass the districts of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Pakistani security forces are compelled to conduct numerous security operations in this region, as it is perceived as a secure haven for the TTP terrorist group. The modus operandi of TTP terrorists targeting Pakistani security forces is not novel, and these attacks are more likely to be retaliation attacks as a result of several successful operations by Pakistani security forces against this terrorist group. It is anticipated that the Pakistani government will maintain its preemptive operations against the TTP terrorist group and forge a partnership with the local community to secure their complete backing in the fight against terrorism. This measure is perceived as facilitating the periodic acquisition of information regarding the terrorist group’s activities and strategies. It is anticipated that Pakistan will continue to apply pressure on Afghanistan to prevent the TTP from utilizing Afghan territory to execute planned attacks on Pakistani territory.
Somalia
On 3 Nov 24, the Somali National Army (SNA) conducted a military operation resulting in the deaths of 27 Al-Shabaab militants in the Yaaqle district of the Middle Shabelle region, Somalia. The SNA bombed a site where Al-Shabaab fighters congregated, destroying several cars and terrorist installations. This operation is one of a series of assaults executed by the SNA in the Middle Shabelle, Galgadud, and Mudug districts, culminating in the deaths of 254 Al-Shabaab members during October 2024.
On 16 Dec 24, Somali security forces conducted a military operation that effectively eliminated 30 members of the Al-Shabaab terrorist organization in Middle Shabelle. Among the deceased were the top leaders of the group, including Abu Busri@Zakariye, Hassan Hussein@Abu Hamama, Hassan Nasrallah@Abu Baras, and Abdurahman@Moalin Aden.
Al-Shabaab is an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group that aims to topple the Somali government and establish an autonomous government based on a strict interpretation of Islamic Sharia law. Al-Shabaab has carried out a number of terrorist acts in Somalia, targeting the military, the government, and civilians. In reaction to the increased number of terrorist assaults by Al-Shabaab, Somali security forces are launching military operations in crucial regions that house the terrorist group’s logistics and operational functions. This operation is considered as having the potential to exert pressure on the terrorist group. Nonetheless, the terrorist group continues to operate in Somalia, particularly in Central and Southern Somalia, due to geographical characteristics in the African country that benefit Al-Shabaab.
Syria
On 8 Dec 24, Damascus, the Syrian capital, was seized from the regime’s authority, marking the end of the Baath party’s 61-year reign in Syria. In 1963, the Arab Socialist Baath Party seized power in Syria through a rebellion. The regime’s intervention has led to the loss of thousands of lives and the instigation of a civil conflict. The armed faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) entered Damascus, signifying the peak of the conflict’s evolution in Syria, resulting in the downfall of the Bashar Al-Assad regime. Additionally, HTS was able to establish control over a number of regions, including Hama, Idlib, and Aleppo.
The Assad regime’s failure to resolve the conflict through diplomacy, despite international and regional pressure, is considered a contributing factor to its downfall. It is also probable that the removal of Bashar Al-Assad will create an opportunity for millions of refugees who have been dispersed in shelters throughout Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan for over a decade to return to their homeland. The capacity of HTS to reconstruct Syria and oversee a post-Bashar Al-Assad government is uncertain as a result of several critical factors that present obstacles to its administration. HTS will encounter significant obstacles in the formation of a government in Syria following the Bashar Al-Assad regime, including the strictures of its ideology, which adheres to a radical form of Islam. The second challenge is the administrative governance of HTS in regions like Idlib, which has received substantial criticism. Many contend that the HTS administrative system is inherently oppressive. Furthermore, Syria’s history is replete with a multitude of terrorist organizations, including HTS, that have been embroiled in conflict. This could potentially impede their capacity to sustain administration in the long term and impede reconstruction efforts. Despite their success in gaining control over Syrian territories, these challenges raise substantial concerns about HTS’s ability to reconstruct Syria by establishing a stable governance framework. HTS is unlikely to effectively lead the country after Bashar Al-Assad in the absence of robust international support and a comprehensive reconciliation within Syrian society. It is anticipated that this will serve to extend the country’s instability. The potential for the Syrian conflict to revert to the situation that occurred in 2014 during the rise of Daesh in Syria is present.
Turkiye
On 23 Oct 24, a terrorist attack on the headquarters of the state-owned Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) near the city of Ankara resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals and the injury of 22 others. Two assailants, who are suspected to be members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) terrorist organization, were slain by Turkish security forces subsequent to the attack.
On 29 Oct 24, in Istanbul, 31 individuals were apprehended by Turkish security forces on suspicion of financing activities for the Daesh terrorist group. The Mediterranean Association for the Propagation of Beneficial Sciences and Islam (AHIDDER) was the non-governmental organization (NGO) responsible for conducting the activity. Mustafa Yakupoglu, who was accountable for recruiting supporters and raising funds for terrorist activities, was one of the primary suspects apprehended.
On 3 Dec 24, The successful apprehension of 77 Daesh suspects was the result of the simultaneous operations conducted by Turkish security forces in 32 provinces of Turkey. Following the issuance of 114 arrest warrants by Turkish security forces for their involvement in financing the Daesh terrorist organization, the operations were conducted in numerous significant cities, including Istanbul, Konya, Ankara, and Izmir. The ongoing endeavors are directed toward the apprehending and locating of the remaining 29 sought suspects, while eight others are suspected to be abroad. Furthermore, Turkish authorities confiscated a substantial quantity of digital materials and publications that were associated with Daesh’s propaganda.
TAI is acknowledged for its critical role in supporting Turkey’s extensive operations against the PKK. In the Claw-Lock Operation, Turkey has employed military technology and drones developed by TAI to specifically target PKK strongholds in northern Iraq and Syria. These attacks unequivocally demonstrate that the PKK has designated TAI as a strategic target, with the objective of undermining the Turkish government’s authority and the preparedness of Turkey’s security forces to combat PKK terrorist activities in the region. This assault may be perceived as a provocation or an early warning that the PKK terrorist group’s presence is still substantial and that they continue to pose a threat to the Turkish government’s security. The Turkish security forces will respond quickly to such acts of terrorism by intensifying bombardment across the Turkey-Iraq-Syria border. This action is intended to demonstrate Ankara’s determination and dedication to the eradication of the PKK terrorist group. It is anticipated that Turkish security forces will continue to refine their operations along the Syria-Iraq border to prevent militants, such as the PKK, from receiving support from their strongholds, particularly in northern Iraq. Operation Claw-Lock, which was launched in April 2022, and Operation Euphrates Shield, which was initiated in August 2016, are considered to be effective in their objective of dismantling the PKK terrorist group’s network in Turkey.
The Gurz-24 operation was conducted in 45 cities, including Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, Eskisehir, and Sanliurfa, to identify the network of terrorist cells in Turkey. Subsequent to the disintegration of Daesh in Syria and Iraq in 2019, some adherents relocated to various nations, including Turkey, to form terrorist networks and sustain Daesh’s significance. In reaction to the increasing threat of terrorism, Turkish authorities have instituted multiple steps to thwart the planning and execution of Daesh attacks. The National Intelligence Organization of Turkey (MIT) has been instrumental in disrupting the attempts of terrorist organizations to recruit, finance, and secure logistical assistance from the public for executing terrorist operations. This recent apprehension demonstrates the efficacy of continuous efforts to identify individuals responsible for funding the Daesh terrorist organization. This operation is set to undermine Daesh’s planning while also issuing a strong warning to its sympathizers that Turkey’s security services are firmly dedicated to protecting national security. Turkish security forces are expected to escalate their initiatives to uncover and dismantle Daesh networks, so effectively restricting their finance operations and eliminating the terrorist group’s strategic goals within Turkey.
Terrorism Trends in Southeast Asia
Indonesia
On 4 Nov 24, Special Detachment 88 Anti-Terrorism Team (Densus 88) apprehended three individuals suspected of terrorism in Demak Regency, Kudus, and Solo City, Central Java, Indonesia. Indonesian security officers conducted searches of the suspects’ dwellings and discovered a substantial amount of evidence, including books, leaflets, flags, and symbols linked to terrorist organizations.
On 24 Nov 24, A suspected terrorist was apprehended by Densus 88 in the Mukomuko district of Bengkulu, Indonesia. The 42-year-old suspect is thought to be linked to the Daesh terrorist organization. Densus 88 conducted a search of the suspect’s residence and successfully seized different items as evidence.
On 29 Dec 24, Densus 88 conducted an operation to investigate the residence of a terrorist suspect in Sukamaju Village, Nyalindung Subdistrict, Sukabumi Regency. This operation succeeded the prior apprehension of six terrorist suspects in three locations of West Java: Majalengka, Garut, and Tasikmalaya, on December 27, 2024. Authorities discovered 32 items of evidence during the search, including a shotgun, three air guns, and numerous literature suspected of containing themes of violence and radicalism.
On 21 Dec 24, the National Counterterrorism Agency of Indonesia (BNPT) and Densus 88 conducted a statement for the disbandment of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) in Solo, Central Java. This gathering was the 45th and concluding forum in a nationwide series of socialization initiatives. Former JI members also pledged allegiance to Indonesia to strengthen the fundamental foundations of the nation, including Pancasila, democracy, and human rights.
Indonesia’s security forces have persistently undertaken pre-emptive measures to mitigate potential terrorist threats. The arrests are regarded as a preemptive strategy to avert attacks, particularly during critical times like the Christmas and New Year festivities. The arrests underscore that the disbandment of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) has not eradicated the threat of terrorism, and indeed, it increases apprehensions regarding the potential creation of new terrorist factions that may present considerable security challenges in Southeast Asia, especially in Indonesia. The implementation of anti-terrorism legislation and regulations in Indonesia has significantly weakened the terrorist organizations active within the nation. Nonetheless, attempts to rejuvenate these factions through the dissemination of information and ideology, including those linked to Daesh, persist through local terrorist networks. The new arrests are anticipated to yield vital clues for Densus 88 in identifying further terrorist suspects and preventing any intended attacks by these individuals. Furthermore, Indonesia’s security forces are expected to adopt further preventive strategies to avoid the emergence of new terrorist organizations following the disbandment of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI).
The Philippines
On 21 Oct 24, Philippine security force apprehended the principal suspect responsible for the lethal bombing at a religious function on December 3, 2023, in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur Province. The individual, recognized as Arsani D. Membisa, alias Lopitos, is affiliated with the Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) terrorist organization. He was arrested at Barangay Maria Cristina, Iligan City. Lopitos is regarded as one of the most sought-after individuals due to his participation in terrorist actions, especially in the southern Philippines.
On 23 Oct 24, five members of the Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) terrorist organization were eliminated during an operation conducted by Philippine security forces in Bangco village, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte. Authorities confiscated four M16 rifles, three M1 rifles, two handguns, and grenades during the raid on the suspects’ residence. The operation, intended to apprehend DI leader Uya Duma@Lagbas, also led to the detention of two other terrorist suspects, including the homeowner, named as Bucari.
On 17 Dec 24, 15 Members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) voluntarily capitulated to Philippine security forces in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte. In conjunction with their capitulation, the insurgents surrendered many rifles and improvised munitions to the authorities. The ceremony featured support for the surrendered individuals, provided by members from the Ministry of Social Services and Development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The aggressive measures implemented by Philippine security forces communicate a definitive message regarding the government’s dedication to countering terrorism, especially in the southern areas of the Philippines, via continuous Focused Military Operations (FMO). Concurrently, the increasing trend of surrenders by terrorist organizations, particularly the BIFF, signifies the efficacy of these initiatives. This change is probably driven by the demise of key BIFF leaders, together with the increased efficacy of the FMO techniques implemented by Philippine authorities to dismantle these terrorist organizations. The Philippines is enhancing its Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) initiatives, notably the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which serves as a significant metric for the rising number of terrorist organization members surrendering to Philippine security authorities. The Philippines’ provision of financial and logistical support to surrendering individuals is perceived as motivating more BIFF members to abandon the terrorist group and reintegrate into the nation’s administrative framework. Philippine security forces are anticipated to continue their operations, exerting pressure on terrorist groups to capitulate, with the ultimate objective of dismantling these organizations, particularly in the southern Philippines.
Singapore
On 18 Oct 24, Singaporean security force successfully detained a 17-year-old individual suspected of attempting to execute a terrorist attack in Singapore. The suspect planned to employ a bladed weapon to execute a terrorist attack targeting non-Muslims in the Tampines region. Initial inquiries indicated that the suspect was an adherent of the Daesh terrorist organization and had intended to journey to Syria for jihad. He had also reached out to various international pals online for guidance over his planned journey.
This arrest highlights the persistent issue of internet radicalization, which remains a crucial method for recruiting new members, despite the diminishing impact of Daesh, especially in Southeast Asia. The suspect had been brainwashed with the doctrine of armed conflict in Syria, intending to join the jihad to build an Islamic state. The proliferation of extremist ideology and narratives online necessitates immediate attention and rigorous monitoring, as radicalization is perceived to occur more readily among young people due to their cognitive development stage. Singapore’s security forces are anticipated to enhance their security protocols and maintain vigilance in countering the rising threat of terrorism, particularly the tendency of lone wolf attacks.
Malaysia
Currently, the terrorist menace at the national level is being effectively managed. Approximately 620 individuals who are linked to Daesh terrorist and militant networks have been apprehended by the nation from 2013 to the present. This figure comprises 389 domestic residents and 231 non-nationals.
On 28 Nov 24, The Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) and the Malacca Islamic Religious Department (JAIM) conducted a joint operation that resulted in the arrest of eight individuals who are suspected of adhering to the Millah Abraham (MA) deviant teachings. Additionally, authorities conducted investigations of the suspects’ residences and confiscated numerous items, including books that were associated with the Millah Abraham teachings.
On 18 Dec 24, the two Malaysian nationals who had been detained at Guantanamo Bay for the previous 18 years have been safely returned to Malaysia. Mohamad Farik Amin (48) and Mohammed Nazir Lep (47) were apprehended for their involvement in the catastrophic 2002 Bali bombing incident in Indonesia. In January 2024, the suspects at Guantanamo Bay struck a plea agreement with prosecutors regarding the accusation of aiding the bombing incident and received a five-year prison sentence as part of the agreement.
Millah Abraham’s ideology integrates Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, interpreting the Qur’an’s message according to their comprehension rather than relying on tafsir books. Millah Abraham has been declared a heretical teaching in Malaysia due to its divergence from and contradiction of Islamic teachings. The authorities’ operation exposed the online dissemination of the MA teachings through a variety of social media platforms. This MA teaching also employs social media to recruit new members, including family members and acquaintances of the detained suspects. In order to prevent the propagation of such deviant ideologies within society and to prevent any potential undesirable incidents, preventive measures must be enhanced. In order to prevent the widespread dissemination of these deviant ideologies, particularly among the youth in the country, it is imperative that state religious authorities and various government agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), collaborate and coordinate their efforts. The existing laws in Malaysia should be strictly enforced in order to take firm action against adherents of Millah Abraham or any other deviant teachings.
In addition to lifelong supervision by the authorities, Farik Amin and Nazir Lep will participate in a deradicalization program administered by the Malaysian Government. Furthermore, the government has implemented a comprehensive reintegration strategy for both individuals and groups, which includes moral support, health, and welfare. Their repatriation from Guantanamo Bay is also a component of a more comprehensive initiative to decrease the number of detainees there, which is consistent with the United States’ goal of closing the detention facility. It is anticipated that these two individuals will undergo a comprehensive rehabilitation process prior to being reintegrated with their families. Simultaneously, local authorities will continue to uphold their obligation to prevent the emergence of any new terrorist threats in the country and to restrict the widespread dissemination of terrorist ideologies.
Conclusion
Particularly with unrest in many of West Asia, the threat of global terrorism keeps showing rise. Terrorist organizations still control the war of Israeli strikes on Palestine to support lone wolf attacks under their “Kill Them Wherever You Find Them.” Supporters and sympathizers of terrorist organizations are observed to be playing out anti-Semitic attitudes in order to win acceptance. The fall of Assad’s government in Syria marks a fresh chapter in the threat of world terrorism, which is probably going to affect the emergence of the Daesh terrorist organization. Aiming to resurrect the caliphate following the defeat of Daesh in Syria and Iraq, the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) is aggressively seeking to undermine security of Afghanistan. While ISKP has also attacked terrorist organizations that are not in line with the Taliban leadership, such the TTP, which might become a rival along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, there have been ongoing assaults on the leaders of the Taliban. The attack of important sites like TAI by the PKK on Turkey emphasizes, however, the ongoing presence and capacity of the group to pose a serious hazard to national security of Turkey. The strategic goal of the PKK terrorists is TAI, which is to undermine Turkish government control and Turkey’s security forces’ readiness to stop terrorist activity in the area.
Subsequently, the dissemination of extremism, radicalism, and terrorism ideology through media in Southeast Asia is continuing to exhibit an upward trajectory, with Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore being particularly affected. However, proactive measures, such as the implementation of PCVE (Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism) programs by the authorities in these nations and aggressive arrests as part of preventive strategies, have been effective in reducing violent activities. The Philippines has effectively implemented soft approach measures through PCVE programs, such as E-CLIP, to encourage terrorist members to surrender. In the interim, Indonesian authorities have arranged 45 programs that emphasize socialization and surrender in conjunction with senior leaders of the JI terrorist group since its dissolution on June 30, 2024. These initiatives have effectively motivated thousands of JI members to surrender their weapons. Nevertheless, the profoundly ingrained terrorist ideology within JI continues to be difficult to eradicate, which raises the possibility that certain individuals who disagree may resort to violent acts, either independently or by cooperating with other terrorist organizations. Daesh remains reliant on social media platforms, chat groups, and online gaming in Singapore to establish connections with sympathizers. In 2024, numerous arrests were made in Singapore involving adolescents who were attempting to carry out terrorist attacks.
The decision by Malaysia to repatriate Farik Amin and Nazir Lep, who are suspected of being responsible for the Bali bombing, is perceived as an effort to protect their rights, which were disregarded during their time in Guantanamo Bay. It is anticipated that the implementation of a comprehensive reintegration program, which encompasses welfare, healthcare, and moral support, will result in favorable outcomes for both the government and the individuals involved. Nevertheless, recidivism continues to pose a substantial threat in Malaysia, illustrating the difficulty of eliminating the radical ideology of terrorism. Although statistics from the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) indicate that less than 5% of radical detainees revert to extremist beliefs, these individuals retain the capacity to influence their families and close associates, thereby escalating the likelihood of attacks in Malaysia. The threat of terrorism is also evident in numerous deviant religious groups that propagate sentiments of extremism and animosity, referring to individuals who do not share the same beliefs as deviants, infidels, and taghut. This presents a significant threat to national security, as it contributes to the takfiri phenomenon and extreme intolerance occurring within the Muslim community.
In conclusion, the current situation in Syria is mitigated by the sentiments that persist regarding Israel’s assaults on Palestine and Lebanon, which continue to raise concerns about the threat of terrorism at the global and regional levels. These developments are instrumental in the recruitment of sympathizers, who may subsequently become self-radicalized and commit lone wolf attacks. Daesh’s media initiatives continue to be combative, as they employ new social messaging platforms like Signal, Simple X, and Element to disseminate propaganda through mass media. Additionally, the emergence of new online publications such as El Wafa serves to amplify extremist narratives. The involvement of sympathizers is perceived as being closely associated with the confusion surrounding the concept of struggle that terrorist groups manipulate and the venomous sentiments that are expressed on social media. The complexities of emerging security challenges and the diverse techniques, tactics, and procedures (TTP) adopted by various terrorist groups depending on the circumstance necessitate a proactive and determined response from authorities in response to the evolution of the global terrorism landscape. It is crucial to improve the collaboration and coordinated efforts of the authorities of various government agencies in Malaysia, such as the RMP, JAKIM, ROS, and MCMC, in order to prevent the dissemination of violent and extremist ideologies, particularly among the youth. Despite the fact that the risk of terrorist acts is classified as “possible” and the threat of terrorism in Malaysia is currently moderate, the threat from terrorist groups continues to attract sympathizers. Consequently, all relevant stakeholders must not disregard this issue.
