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The Diplomat
18-07-2025
- The Diplomat
The Arrest of Suspected Bangladeshi Terrorists in Malaysia: Implications for Regional and Global Security
The arrests highlighted both the reach of extremist networks into overseas migrant communities and the various vulnerabilities in host countries. The recent arrests of 36 Bangladeshi nationals in Malaysia on suspicion of involvement in terrorist activities have reignited concerns about the persistent and evolving nature of transnational terrorism in Southeast Asia. Announced in early July, the arrests highlight both the reach of extremist networks and the vulnerabilities within host countries that can be exploited for logistical, ideological, and operational purposes. The fact that foreign nationals were found organizing or supporting extremist causes on Malaysian soil raises pressing questions about border control, migrant oversight, and the broader dynamics of radicalization in a globalized world. This operation, led by Malaysian police with the support of the Malaysian Special Branch, underscores both the seriousness of the threat and the increasing significance of Malaysia as a frontline state in Southeast Asia's counter-terrorism landscape. According to preliminary reports, the suspects were believed to be affiliated with a group known as Gerakan Militan Radikal Bangladesh. Intelligence suggests that Malaysia was being used by the group not as a direct target of attacks but rather as a staging ground for recruitment, coordination, and financial support for operations linked to the Islamic State (IS), particularly in Bangladesh and Syria. The individuals were detained over a nearly two-month period, from April 28 to June 21, in Selangor and Johor, two states with significant foreign worker populations. Many of the suspects were employed in informal sectors such as construction, mirroring a broader trend whereby terrorist recruiters exploit economically and socially marginalized migrant communities. Though no immediate plans for attacks in Malaysia have been identified, authorities remain alarmed by the group's ideological leanings, transnational ties, and growing organizational structure. It is believed that the group was operating from Johor Bahru and had a support base of between 150 and 200 individuals. Members reportedly paid an annual fee of RM500 ($117), with additional funds raised through voluntary donations. These funds were then channelled to support IS-linked cells and affiliated groups. It is believed that digital payment platforms such as Touch 'n Go and BeCash were utilized by the network. The arrests come amid rising concerns about the resurgence of radical Islamist movements in the region, some of which maintain ideological or operational links to groups like IS and al-Qaeda. The fall of the secular-leaning Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh last year and the subsequent rise of a more Islamist-friendly administration have further complicated the security landscape in South and Southeast Asia. Malaysia has long occupied a strategic and symbolic position in Southeast Asia's fight against terrorism. The country's geographical location, porous borders, and role as a destination for migrant labour make it both a potential target and a convenient hub for extremist networks. Malaysia's past experience with homegrown and foreign-linked terrorist groups, such as Jemaah Islamiyah, has shaped a robust national security infrastructure that includes preventive detention laws, digital surveillance, and cooperation with regional partners. Yet the recent arrests reveal new complexities and perhaps vulnerabilities. Malaysia hosts nearly 1 million Bangladeshi workers, most of whom are law-abiding and play crucial roles in the country's economy. However, the socio-economic vulnerabilities of these migrants, which are often characterized by legal insecurity, poor living conditions, and/or cultural and linguistic isolation, make them susceptible to recruitment by radical ideologues. As a result, Malaysia is forced to strike a delicate balance between maintaining national security and upholding the rights and dignity of migrant populations. The diffusion of jihadist ideology throughout Southeast Asia is further complicating the security picture. Countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia continue to grapple with the ideological and operational fallout from conflicts in the Middle East and South Asia. The internet and social media have accelerated this process, allowing terrorist networks to bypass traditional geographic boundaries and directly engage with new recruits online. To fully grasp the implications of the recent arrests of several dozen Bangladeshi nationals in Malaysia, it is crucial to examine the underlying drivers of radicalization among Bangladeshi migrants and other vulnerable populations. These drivers are complex and multi-dimensional, intersecting with economic, social, and political conditions both in countries of origin and host states. Economic marginalization and migrant vulnerability : Bangladesh is one of the world's leading sources of labor migration, with millions seeking low-wage employment in Southeast Asia and the Gulf. Many migrants face exploitative working conditions and social alienation in host countries. These stressors can generate resentment, disillusionment, and identity crises – conditions that extremist recruiters are adept at exploiting. By offering a sense of belonging and moral purpose, radical groups present themselves as alternatives to an unjust system. Online radicalization and digital extremism : The proliferation of encrypted messaging apps and social media platforms has made radical ideologies more accessible than ever. Terrorist organizations now engage in sophisticated online campaigns to recruit and radicalize individuals across borders. Migrants, particularly those who feel cut off from their host society, may turn to online communities for connection, only to fall into echo chambers of hate and extremism. Political Instability and Ideological Shifts in Bangladesh : Domestically, Bangladesh has seen periodic spikes in extremist violence, often involving groups like Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh. The erosion of democratic institutions, growing authoritarianism, and ideological polarization in recent years have created a fertile environment for radicalization. The recent political transition in Dhaka, which favors pro-Islamist elements, could further empower extremist ecosystems and facilitate the export of radical ideologies abroad. The arrest of the Bangladeshi suspects carries several critical implications for regional and international security frameworks. First, the globalization of terrorist operations demands a transnational response. Terrorist networks now operate through diasporas, cyberspace, and financial systems that transcend national boundaries. Addressing this threat requires a coordinated international strategy that includes intelligence sharing, harmonized legal frameworks, and joint financial tracking operations. Second, regional cooperation must be deepened and institutionalized. The Malaysian case underscores the need for ASEAN states to revitalize existing mechanisms like the ASEAN Convention on Counter Terrorism. In addition, bilateral and multilateral partnerships, especially among frontline states such as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand, must be strengthened through shared training, strategic foresight exercises, and information fusion centers. Third, counterterrorism efforts must also address root causes. While necessary, hard power responses such as arrests and surveillance are insufficient on their own. Long-term success depends on tackling structural factors that contribute to radicalization, such as poverty, discrimination, lack of education, and political repression. Special attention must be given to the rights and welfare of migrant workers. For Malaysia and its regional partners, the response to terrorism should combine stringent security measures with inclusive social policies, international cooperation, and community-based counter-radicalization initiatives. For Malaysia, in particular, in line with the launch of the Malaysian Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism in 2024, this involves adopting a holistic approach to address the internal and external drivers of extremism and terrorism in the country.
The Sun
16-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia cracks down on terror recruitment and fundraising
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will not tolerate any attempts to use the country as a base for recruiting members or raising funds for terrorist activities, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said. He stressed that authorities remain vigilant against such threats, whether involving locals or foreigners. The minister's remarks followed the recent dismantling of the Radical Militants of Bangladesh movement by the Royal Malaysia Police. The group was reportedly raising funds and recruiting members to support the Islamic State (IS) in Syria and Bangladesh. 'This success shows that our intelligence capabilities are at a very high level. That is why we can address such threats, and we will never compromise when it comes to terrorism-related matters,' Saifuddin said during a press conference after the ministry's monthly assembly. On July 4, Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail disclosed that the group collected funds through annual membership fees of RM500 per person, with additional contributions based on members' financial capacity. The group, estimated to have 100 to 150 members, mostly comprised Bangladeshi nationals working in factories, construction, and petrol stations. Investigations revealed that recruitment was conducted through social media and messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. Authorities are still determining the total amount of funds sent to IS-linked groups abroad. - Bernama
![News@9: Today's top headlines - July 4, 2025 [WATCH]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fassets%2FNST-Logo%402x.png%3Fid%3Db37a17055cb1ffea01f5&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
New Straits Times
04-07-2025
- New Straits Times
News@9: Today's top headlines - July 4, 2025 [WATCH]
Good evening. You're watching News@9. Here are today's biggest stories. IS-linked cell dismantled Police say up to 150 Bangladeshi nationals were involved in an Islamic State-inspired group operating in Malaysia, with those deeply involved to face charges under the Security Offences Act. Drug-laced cigarettes busted A couple running a meth-laced cigarette syndicate from their rented home has been arrested, with RM2 million worth of drugs and equipment seized. KLIA aerotrain halted KLIA's aerotrain service was suspended today after a drainage pump failure caused water to flood the tunnel, with operations resuming only after tracks were cleared. Cemetery rape case A 25-year-old man pleaded guilty to raping and sodomising an Australian woman at a cemetery in Penang, admitting he threatened her with scissors during the assault. That's it for News@9. Keywords: Court Rape Cemetery Islamic State Nst Klia Bangladeshi Aerotrain Malaysia News News@9
eNCA
24-06-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
IS-linked group abducting children in Mozambique: HRW
Islamic State-linked militants active in northern Mozambique are increasingly abducting children, with at least 120 kidnapped this year, although some have already been released, Human Rights Watch said Tuesday. The gas-rich region has been plagued for years by jihadist violence that has killed thousands of people, caused others to flee and forced the suspension of a giant gas exploration project by TotalEnergies. The armed group operating in Cabo Delgado province "has ramped up abductions of children", using them as fighters or for labour or marriage, the rights group said in a statement. "In recent days, 120 or more children have been abducted," said Abudo Gafuro, executive director at the Kwendeleya national organisation that monitors attacks, in the statement. This was the number of abductions recorded since January 2025, HRW deputy Africa director Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz told AFP when asked for details. "Most of the abducted children are being used for transporting looted goods, forced labour, forced marriages, and taking part in the fighting," the statement said. Some children had been released and it was unclear how many remained in the hands of the armed group, known locally as al-Shabab -- though with no links to the Somali militants of a similar name. HRW said it had interviewed nine people -- Cabo Delgado residents, journalists, civil society activists and a UN official -- who had all expressed concern about "the resurgence of kidnappings". The impoverished region is remote and attacks often fall under the radar, partly due to officials' silence. - War crime - In one incident in March, the group abducted six children to carry looted goods and only released four. In a raid on a village in Muidumbe district on May 11, they abducted six girls and two boys. "Al-Shabab needs to spare children from the conflict," said Budoo-Scholtz. "Recruiting or using children under the age of 15 to participate actively in hostilities is a war crime," said HRW. Earlier this month, the UN children's agency said it was "deeply concerned" by reports of violent attacks and abductions targeting children. Three girls, the youngest only 12 years old, were killed in the attack in Muidumbe, UNICEF said, adding it was a "tragic reminder of the dangers children face in conflict-affected areas". At least 6,000 people, including 2,500 civilians, have been killed in northern Mozambique since 2017 due to insurgency in the region, stalling the exploitation of vast offshore gas deposits discovered in 2010. More than 1.3 million have been displaced by the conflict, according to the UN humanitarian agency OCHA. In a major incident in 2021, the IS-linked militants attacked the port town of Palma in an assault that lasted several days, sending thousands of people fleeing into the surrounding forest. By Hillary Orinde
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump and Pete Hegseth inspiring Islamic State recruitment propaganda
Donald Trump has a long and colorful history with the Islamic State. He incorrectly blamed the founding of IS on his predecessor, said its infamous leader 'died like a dog' while announcing his assassination, and rallied an international coalition that successfully ended its so-called caliphate. So far, in his second presidency, his administration has much less to do with IS. But the terror group has still benefited from him. Experts tell the Guardian that IS is capitalizing on Trump's dismantling of the international order, his affinity for Benjamin Netanyahu's government in Israel, and most of all – his most controversial cabinet appointment – in its recruitment propaganda. In the US, IS supporters consuming that online messaging have become bona fide security threats in recent months, with a string of incidents dating back to before the presidential election. On New Year's Day in New Orleans, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, a 13-year veteran of the US army, used a truck to kill fourteen partygoers in the name of IS. Earlier in May, Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said, 19, an ex-national guardsman, was arrested and charged with plotting a mass shooting at a military base near Detroit, on behalf of the group. 'The January 1 New Orleans attack and subsequent IS-linked arrests in the country demonstrate the continued influence the organization can project into the US,' said Lucas Webber, a senior threat intelligence analyst at Tech Against Terrorism, who has tracked the terrorist group for several years. 'These incidents also highlight how IS leverages the online space through social media and messaging applications to spread its ideology and inspire supporters to plot attacks.' Part of that, as Webber explained, was persistently defining the US as a 'crusader' state – the name jihadists have long used for all western countries. But secretary of defense Pete Hegseth's tattoos, referential to those pan-European medieval invaders, have fueled IS propaganda dispersed on – a recruitment platform the terror group uses to communicate with its followers and recruits. An April IS-article, titled Clear Evidence in Ink, zeroed in on Hegseth's ink, which features crosses associated with crusaders and another on his arm that reads 'infidel' or 'non-believer' in Arabic. The term also became better known among war on terror soldiers, who, like Hegseth, served in Iraq and Afghanistan, as a pejorative for themselves. 'This takes us back to the media stir just days ago when the American 'crusader' secretary of defense published photos of himself with the word 'kafir' written on his arm in Arabic, alongside other explicit phrases glorifying the crusades!' said the IS propaganda, amid a backdrop of Hegseth's tattooed chest and arms. 'Events like these, orchestrated by Allah's wisdom, serve as warnings and clear evidence of the true nature of the war waged by Jews and Christians against us – it is a deeply rooted religious war.' On pro-IS users fervently responded. 'What more do you want as proof that they want to wipe us all together?' wrote one user underneath an image of Hegseth's tattoos. Other fodder tapped for its digital propaganda, is Trump's associations with Netanyahu and the IDF's continued flattening of Gaza, which several experts and governments have called a modern-day genocide. IS images and articles call for 'revenge for the Muslims in Gaza' and the war, which has become one of its most valuable recruitment topics. IS also sees the stream of international tariffs unleashed by the Trump administration as a sign the west and its power structures are unravelling. As another IS article described how 'the reckless Trump has repeatedly claimed victory over jihad, yet now he is preoccupied with fighting German cars and Chinese goods' and stoking 'commercial wars' that would lead to the demise of 'kafir nations'. Combinations of these topics are mainstay recruitment hooks that IS and its predecessor organization, al-Qaida, have used for years attracting men into its ranks. IS is in a rebuilding stage as Syria – once a base for its most successful era – has vowed to banish the group and other jihadist elements from operating within its borders, as the nascent government seeks rapprochement with the US. But other IS chapters have shown they are attracting Americans, foreigners, and locals to their cause, by peddling anti-US messaging. 'Trump and the US have been monitored by [IS-Khorasan] Pashto, Urdu and Farsi channels specifically referring to developments in Syria and Afghanistan,' said Riccardo Valle, the director of research at the Islamabad-based publication the Khorasan Diary and an expert on the group's Afghan wing. '[IS-K] continue to foster the idea that there is no difference between Afghanistan and Syria trajectories and that both are puppets in the hands of the US, Russia, and China.' The IS-K branch has shown its reach inside the US, too. An Afghan national and a co-conspirator were arrested in October, after the FBI disrupted an IS-K sponsored plot to attack a mass gathering on election day. The justice department also described in 2024 court documents that IS-Somalia, an upstart branch which has become the intense focus of Pentagon airstrikes, had attracted an American foreign fighter who was in contact with their recruiters. 'IS-Somalia is becoming more internationally ambitious in its recruitment, associated online propaganda, and incitement efforts,' Webber said. 'Pro-IS Somalia outlets are creating media content focused on US policy in the region and support for governments in the area.'
