The second 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 April to June 2024.
Somalia has now successfully regained control of more than 215 locations previously controlled by the
Al-Shabaab group with the help of African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), but it is expected to be a bit challenging when ATMIS will extract a few military personnel by the end of this year which will result in Al-Shabaab having the opportunity to control the
area again.
The lone wolf attack is seen as one of the current modus operandi often used by terrorist groups in launching terrorist
attacks nowadays.
There are still efforts to reactivate terrorist groups as well as the spread of Daesh ideology in Indonesia by some of the terrorist group followers who are obsessed and fanatical with their jihad struggle. The dissolution of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) seen as the right step in curbing
terrorist activities.
Classifying a group and individual as terrorists is significant because it will facilitate the government to monitor the process and action against any terrorist activity in Malaysia.
In conclusion, the second quarter of 2024 sees an increase in the global and regional threat that terrorism poses. The threat perception has shifted to incorporate the dissemination of narratives in cyberspace, particularly on social media. Countries, particularly in this region, must take drastic measures to mitigate the issue.
Introduction
There are significant events in a number of countries around the world during the second quarter of 2024. The threat of terrorism at the global and regional levels has shown a significant increase, in addition to the latest trends in European and African countries. There is an increasing menace of terrorism, both on a local and worldwide scale, particularly in the aftermath of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Terrorist organizations, particularly Daesh, persist in utilizing social media as very efficient means for disseminating their ideology. Respective agencies such as Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) need to carry out periodic monitoring of social media content as well as video applications such as YouTube that are capable of threatening national security and can be blocked from being accessed by Malaysians if necessary.
The following are the highlights of recent terrorism-related occurrences around the world:
Australia
On 13 Apr 24, a terrorist attack occurred in the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping center located on the outskirts of Sydney. Joel Cauchi, a guy, launched an assault on the mall resulting in the death of six bystanders and the injury of 12 others.
On 15 Apr 24, Mar Mari Emmanuel, a renowned Bishop Priest in Sydney, was stabbed, along with four other individuals, during an assault at the Assyrian Church of Christ The Good Shepherd in Sydney, Australia. The individual in question is a 15-year-old male who practices the Islamic faith. The police have officially classed the incident as an act of terrorism due to its religious and hateful motivations.
Both incidents can be classified as lone wolf attacks. The presence of Islamophobia is considered a contributing factor to the prejudiced nature of the Australian authorities’ allegations against the implicated persons. The violent attack in Sydney serves as a clear demonstration that both Muslim and non-Muslim societies continue to embrace and propagate radical and extreme narratives. If the authorities, particularly in Australia, do not adopt a more moderate approach in addressing the issue of crime, domestic violence, and terrorism, similar situations are likely to occur again. This is especially true when it includes Muslim minority populations in Australia.
Somalia
On 1 Apr 24, The Somali National Army (SNA) conducted a military operation in central and southern Somalia, resulting in the elimination of 81 Al-Shabaab militants, including their leaders. The operation was conducted in the primary strongholds of Al-Shabaab in Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and Wajid, located in the Bakool Province. The military operation also eradicated the assets of armed vehicles owned by the terrorist organization.
On 3 Apr 24, The Somali National Army (SNA) initiated an aerial assault mission aimed at eliminating the leadership of Al-Shabaab in the town of Sablaale, located in the Lower Shabelle region, where it is suspected that the leaders are hiding. Ahmed Diriye, also known as Abu Ubaida, is accountable for carrying out acts of terrorism in the East African region, specifically targeting Kenya, Uganda, and Djibouti.
On 1 Apr 24, The Somali National Army (SNA) conducted a military operation in central and southern Somalia, resulting in the elimination of 81 Al-Shabaab militants, including their leaders. The operation was conducted in the primary strongholds of Al-Shabaab in Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and Wajid, located in the Bakool Province. The military operation also eradicated the assets of armed vehicles owned by the terrorist organization.
On 3 Apr 24, The Somali National Army (SNA) initiated an aerial assault mission aimed at eliminating the leadership of Al-Shabaab in the town of Sablaale, located in the Lower Shabelle region, where it is suspected that the leaders are hiding. Ahmed Diriye, also known as Abu Ubaida, is accountable for carrying out acts of terrorism in the East African region, specifically targeting Kenya, Uganda, and Djibouti.
The operation was most likely carried out in response to the increasing threat of terrorism, particularly in Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and Wajid, Bakool Region, as a result of the uncertain political climate following the local elections. The investigation discovered that there was a misunderstanding among the tribes in these three locations, which resulted in a small number of local armed organizations switching their support from the government to Al-Shabaab. The current situation is expected to hamper the momentum of the counter-terrorism operation being carried out by Somali security forces in collaboration with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). At the same time, Somali security forces’ actions in targeting Al-Shabaab’s leader, Abu Ubaida, are expected to put additional pressure on the terrorist group. The Somali government is also expected to scale up operations to curtail Al-Shabaab’s push to reclaim control of the territory seized by the Somali security forces, as well as regaining the support of local militant organizations over the Somali government.
Pakistan
On 23 Apr 24, Pakistani security forces killed three terrorists from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) during an operation in Balochistan’s Pishin area. An Afghan citizen who was a member of the TTP was injured during the intense combat with government forces. The operation also revealed a facility to store bombs, weapons, and ammo.
On 4 May 24, Pakistani security forces effectively killed six TTP terrorists during an operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The terrorist group’s hideout was also destroyed during this rigorous operation.
Terrorism is primarily concentrated in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The Pakistani government has made various steps to avoid terrorist acts, which routinely endanger the safety and well-being of the populace. Pakistan recently began working with Iran to combat terrorism, focusing on terrorist organizations sheltering in Afghanistan. This agreement is expected to encourage Afghanistan to prevent terrorist groups from using the country as a safe haven or hotspot. Furthermore, this action is considered to put pressure on terrorist organizations who previously sought to use the friction between Iran and Pakistan about border assaults.
France
On 31 May 24, French authorities arrested an 18-year-old adolescent for reportedly plotting a terrorist attack during the upcoming Paris Olympics in Saint-Etienne, France. The suspect, a Muslim adolescent of Chechen heritage, is alleged to be preparing an attack on the Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium in Saint-Etienne during an upcoming soccer match. The suspect planned to carry out a suicide assault on both the audience and the security forces.
France is implementing tight security measures in preparation for the 2015 Paris Olympics, which are projected to draw 10,000 participants and 10 million tourists. The arrests conducted before to the Olympic events underlined the possibility of terrorist strikes amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. France has the largest Jewish population in Europe and the third-largest worldwide. The participation of Israeli athletes in the Olympics makes it a prominent target for terrorist attacks by both groups and individuals. French authorities have taken aggressive measures, boosting the number of enforcement personnel to 15,000. Furthermore, travelers will not have gratis entrance to attend the opening ceremony for security reasons.
Turkiye
On 15 Apr 24, Turkiye Security Forces carried out a cross-border operation in Hakhurk province, Northern Iraq, killing 12 Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) terrorists. The military operation targeted the PKK terrorist group’s base in the border region between Turkey and Iraq.
On 15 May 24, Turkish security forces arrested suspected Daesh terrorists in four parts of the country. The operation “Bozdogan-38” took place in the provinces of Sanliurfa, Hatay, Denizli, and Konya. The alleged terrorists are accused of recruiting new Daesh members, supplying the organization with weapons and training, delivering logistical support and finance help to the active members.
Turkiye is actively tackling the terrorism issue by focusing on the PKK terrorist group’s strongholds along the Turkiye-Iraq-Syria border. In light of the increased threat of terrorism, Turkiye Security Forces are expected to strengthen Operation Claw-Lock, an anti-terrorism effort centered on the Qandil Mountains, the PKK terrorist group’s main stronghold. Furthermore, different tactics and operations have been beneficial in disrupting Daesh’s planned terrorist attacks. Since June 23, there have been over 1,000 anti-terror operations targeting Daesh, resulting in the arrest of over 2,000 people. The ongoing operation demonstrates Turkiye’s unwavering commitment to the peace, unity, and security of its people and the wider international community. This incarceration is expected to undermine the PKK terrorist group and the Daesh network in Turkey, as well as ensuring that no terrorist financing may take place within the country.
TERRORISM IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
INDONESIA
On 16 Apr 24, The Special Detachment 88 Anti-Terrorism Team (Densus 88) apprehended seven suspected terrorists in Central Sulawesi, specifically in Palu City, Sigi Regency, and Poso Regency. It is widely thought that they have links to the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) network. Densus 88 carried out searches in multiple residences in Talise Valangguni Village, Palu City, and in Kalukubula Village, Sigi Regency to collect evidence. The evidence recovered included laptops, mobile phones, and documents pertaining to strategies for obtaining funds to support Daesh’s ongoing operations.
On 16 June 24, a suspected terrorist was apprehended by Densus 88 in Cikampek, Karawang Regency, West Java. The alleged terrorist was apprehended for allegedly joining a network supporting Daesh in Indonesia and conspiring to carry out acts of terrorism involving explosives. The Indonesian Security Forces also seized multiple electronic components and explosives that were planned for use in the terrorist attack.
On 30 June 24, Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) formally declared its demise via a video made in Bogor, West Java. In the video, which has a duration of three minutes and 10 seconds, Abu Rusdan, the spokesperson of the JI group, can be seen reading the declaration of dissolution. He is surrounded by 15 prominent leaders of the organization, namely Para Wijayanto, Abu Mahmuda, Bambang Sukirno, Abu Fatih, Ustaz Zarkasih, Ustaz Shalahudin, Ustaz Fachrudin Soleh, Ustaz Saptono Munadi, Ustaz Abu Dujanah, Ustaz Qadri Faturrahman, Tengku Azhar, Ustaz Imtihan, Ustaz Hamad, Ustaz Mustaqim, and Ustaz Fahim. The decision has received certification from top members of the JI leadership council, leaders of educational institutions, and pesantren.
Despite the dissolution of JI, the persistence of terrorist ideology poses a formidable challenge in completely eradicating it, hence enabling the potential for individuals to partake in acts of violence. This is evident from the apprehension of JI members attempting to revive JI’s ideology in Sulawesi following the complete incapacitation of the Mujahiddin Indonesia Timur (MIT) in 2022. Indonesian security personnel must remain vigilant against autonomous splinter groups. The apprehension of Daesh terrorist suspects is perceived as a component of the government’s endeavors to implement preemptive measures. While sanctions and the implementation of anti-terrorism laws have significantly weakened terrorist organizations in Indonesia, the dissemination of Daesh’s ideology still has the potential to radicalize individuals, leading to ongoing terrorist actions. Indonesia is expected to heighten its surveillance in order to detect any indications of terrorist activity and prevent a repetition of incidents like the Bali bombing.
THE PHILIPPINES
On 16 Apr 24, Terrorist groups Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) conducted an ambush in Maguindanao Del Sur, resulting in the death of four members of the MILF. The deceased individuals are all inhabitants of Dapiawan hamlet in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur.
On 22 Apr 24, a high-ranking leader of a terrorist organization and 11 members of the BIFF were eliminated, while seven military soldiers sustained injuries during a conflict in Maguindanao del Sur. The deceased BIFF leader has been named as Mohiden Animbang, also known as Kagui Karialan. He was murdered during a fierce confrontation with the police forces at Kampung Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan. A number of weaponry, including three M16 rifles and one M14 rifle, were confiscated.
On 25 May 24, Ahmed Samsudin @ Jivin Ansao, a BIFF member and expert in Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), was killed by Philippine Security Forces in Barangay Butilen, Salibo, Maguindanao del Sur. The Philippine Security Forces initiated an attack following the sharing of information by the local community about the presence of a group of BIFF members in the area. Ahmed, who was killed found with a .45-caliber pistol, five cartridges, a cellphone and 26 IEDs.
On 28 May 24, Udon Hasim, a high-ranking member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), also known as Utoh or Kah, was eliminated during a military operation conducted by the Philippine Security Forces in Barangay Lahay-Lahay, Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi. Udon initiated an armed conflict with Philippine Security Forces after they declined to surrender, resulting in the injuries of one member and the fatalities of two others. This operation confiscated several packets of methamphetamine, along with M14 and M16 guns and a quantity of ammunition.
This assault is perceived by the DI and BIFF terrorist groups as a reaction to the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement, which they contend has had a detrimental effect on them, and the collaboration between the MILF and the government. The Philippine Security Forces’ efficacy is indicative of the country’s dedication to the fight against terrorism in the Southern Philippines. It is expected that the Philippine Security Forces will intensify their Focused Military Operation (FMO) against the residual members of the group in Maguindanao del Sur province. Furthermore, the Security Force is anticipated to strengthen security measures in high-risk areas by fostering collaboration with local authorities and community leaders.
MALAYSIA
The terrorist threat at the national level is currently being effectively managed. From 2013 to the present, the nation has apprehended approximately 565 individuals who are associated with Daesh terrorist and militant networks. This figure includes 197 non-nationals and 368 domestic residents.
On 17 May 24, two police officers were killed, and another was injured in an incident at the Ulu Tiram Police Station. The perpetrator, identified as Radinromyullah bin Radin Imran, dressed in dark attire and a mask, brandished a machete and attacked two police officers who were on duty. The assailant successfully disarmed the policemen, taking possession of their gun barrels, a Walter P99 handgun, and a HK-MP5. The perpetrator thereafter discharged two rounds at an individual, causing injuries to the shoulder and abdomen, while another individual sustained laceration to the posterior aspect of the neck and head.
On 13 June 24, Muhammad Sani Mahdi Sahad, a garden worker, has been accused at the Muar Sessions Court, Johor, for providing support to Daesh. The person has been arrested twice before under the Security Offenses (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma). The latest allegation pertains to providing support to the Daesh terrorist organization via Facebook using the pseudonym ‘Abu Ibrahim’, which was then changed to ‘Oyen Ucuk’. The defendant is being accused of an offense under Section 130J (1) (a) of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum punishment of 40 years imprisonment or a fine. Additionally, any property utilized in the commission of the felony may be subject to confiscation.
On 19 June 24, Five individuals from the suspect’s family involved in the Ulu Tiram Police Station attack, which led to the fatalities of two police officers, were brought before the Johor Bahru Sessions Court. Each of the suspects was charged with nine distinct counts of promoting and fostering the ideology of the Daesh terrorist organization. The accused individuals consist of Radin Imran Radin Mohd Tassin, aged 62, his spouse Rosna Jantan, aged 59, and their three children Radin Romyullah, aged 34, Sobrina, aged 23, and Mariah, aged 19.
On 24 June 24, The Anti-Terrorist Division (E8) of the Special Branch, Bukit Aman, carried out an operation that led to the successful apprehension of eight individuals who are connected to terrorist organizations. Individuals have been apprehended in multiple areas throughout the nation in relation to the threats made against the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong and the Prime Minister. These individuals are believed to be connected to the Daesh group. All the individuals under investigation are being charged with the offenses of soliciting and offering assistance to Daesh, possessing materials associated with terrorist activity, and facilitating the commission of terrorist actions.
On 25 June 24, A 35-year-old man has been accused before the Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur with three counts of aiding, possessing items, and admitting to being a member of the Daesh terrorist organization. The accused, Muhammad Muzzammil Mohd Mohlis, who works at a restaurant, has been formally accused of willfully providing assistance to Daesh. This was allegedly done through the use of a Facebook account under the name Ibn Nuhas and a Telegram account under the name Wilayah Maliziyah (in Arabic).
The police have determined that the Ulu Tiram assault was a lone wolf attack, motivated by the perpetrators’ own understanding and without the involvement of the JI terrorist group. The ideology of JI continues to be present in Malaysia, and they can be regarded as a sleeper cell that is capable of perpetrating terrorist acts when motivated by malicious sentiments. The authorities should devote their entire attention to the presence of foreign terrorist fighters (FTF), particularly Mohammed Farik Amin and Mohammed Nazir Lep (Bali Bombing 2002), who will be released from Guantanamo prison in five years. The Ulu Tiram police station assault has attracted substantial attention from numerous countries, particularly Singapore and Indonesia. JI’s continued operation in Malaysia could have a detrimental impact on both countries.
The majority of the suspects being apprehended are erstwhile radicals and individuals who have been re-accused for the same offense. This point demonstrates that recidivism is also a concern, which demonstrates the difficulty of recovering from the ideology of violence. Despite the fact that the data suggests that fewer than 5% of extremists revert to terrorist beliefs, they are able to entice family members and intimate companions to become involved, thereby increasing the likelihood of an attack in Malaysia. Several factors, including community stigma, difficulties in life, lack of support from the community, and limited rehabilitation programs, are also likely to contribute to recidivism. Therefore, it is imperative that the authorities, particularly the Malaysian Communications Multimedia Commission (MCMC), collaborate with the Royal Malaysia Police and other security agencies to strengthen their monitoring efforts in order to prevent the public from accessing social media platforms that advocate for violent and radical extremist narratives in Malaysia. Malaysia must also address it in a prudent manner by instituting Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) awareness programs, such as rehabilitation and support programs for ex-radical prisoners, through related agencies.
CONCLUSION
At the global and regional levels, there is still a rise in the presence of extremism, radicalism, and terrorism in the second quarter of 2024. Countries including Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, and Turkey continue to experience terrorism threats as a result of persistent instability. Furthermore, terrorist organizations capitalize on Israel’s military operations in Palestine to inspire lone-wolf attacks, employing the slogan “Kill Them Wherever You Find Them.” Two incidents in Australia could be classified as lone wolf assaults. However, the Australian authorities’ bias toward the individuals in question is perceived as being driven by the Islamophobia factor. However, France is currently in the process of bolstering security measures for the Paris Olympics by escalating the threat level to the highest level following the successful apprehension of a suspect who was attempting to carry out a terrorist attack. France, which has the highest concentration of Jews in Europe, is a prime target for terrorist attacks from any terrorist group or lone wolf, as it endorses Israel’s participation in the Olympic games.
Indonesia’s proactive measures have effectively suppressed terrorism in the nation following the election, as evidenced by the increasing threat of terrorism in Southeast Asia. It is deemed premature to assess the Indonesian Security Forces’ effectiveness in eradicating the group in light of the announcement of JI’s dissolution. Eliminating terrorist ideologies is a formidable task, as terrorists are inclined to inflict violence upon themselves. The sentiment of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict issue continues to drive the increasing presence of pro-Daesh media on social media. It is believed that the Indonesian Security Forces’ seizure of terrorist suspects is intended to thwart terrorist activities and efforts to re-strengthen terrorist groups in the Sulawesi region. In the interim, the Philippines is continuing to bolster their operations by employing a harsh approach through Focused Military Operations (FMO) to eliminate certain remaining terrorist groups, particularly DI and BIFF. This is evident in a sequence of conflicts between the terrorist organization and the Philippine Security Forces. The terrorist group’s defeat in the conflict is also likely to be significantly influenced by the deaths of senior leaders, as the majority of terrorist members are currently teenagers.
The influence of external media is a contributing factor to the increase in the terrorism threat in Malaysia, which has resulted in Malaysians becoming sympathizers and committing lone wolf attacks. The incident in Ulu Tiram underscores the potential for individuals who are motivated by the ideology of terrorism and are capable of conducting lone wolf attacks. The Royal Malaysia Police are believed to have prevented any unwanted incidents by apprehending terrorist suspects who had threatened the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong and the Prime Minister, as well as individuals suspected of having connections to the Daesh group. The Ulu Tiram Police Station attack was a lone wolf act that did not involve the JI terrorist group. Nevertheless, the ideology of JI is still considered pertinent, and the group can be regarded as a sleeper cell that is capable of carrying out attacks when motivated by hateful sentiments. In this regard, the National Action Plan on Prevention and Countering Violent Extremism (NAPPCVE), the national strategy document for countering terrorism, is anticipated to be released. It is capable of implementing comprehensive preventive measures through the Whole of Government and Whole of Society (WOGOS) approach.
In summary, the threat of terrorism at the global and regional levels continues to be a source of concern, as evidenced by numerous incidents in Europe and Australia. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Daesh campaign “And Kill Them Wherever You Find Them” have prompted numerous countries to increase the level of terrorism threat and implement more stringent security measures, particularly during high-profile events such as the Olympics. The social media platforms continue to serve as a catalyst for terrorist organizations to recruit self-radicalized members to conduct lone wolf attacks. In order to effectively address this issue, it is imperative that each nation implement a PCVE awareness campaign. In Malaysia, the Royal Malaysia Police are believed to be capable of preventing any terrorist attacks through preemptive operations. However, if the primary cause is not effectively addressed by the authorities, it is conceivable that the Ulu Tiram attack will recur. Daesh is reportedly increasing the dissemination of propaganda in Malaysia by employing the Malaysian vernacular to appeal to sympathizers within the country. The risk of terrorist acts is assessed as “possible,” and the threat of terrorism in the country is presently moderate / Code Blue. Consequently, the dissemination of Daesh propaganda in Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, should not be underestimated.