Singapore terror threat remains high as Middle East conflicts fuel radicalisation, says Internal Security Dept

Singapore terror threat remains high as Middle East conflicts fuel radicalisation, says Internal Security Dept



People take photographs at Marina Bay waterfront in Singapore on September 4, 2026. Singapore’s terrorism threat remains high amid conflicts in the Middle East that are being exploited by terrorist and extremist groups to spread propaganda and encourage attacks, the Internal Security Department (ISD) said. — AFP pic


Summary

• Singapore's terrorism threat remains high as Middle East conflicts, particularly involving Israel and Iran, fuel propaganda and community tensions, according to the Internal Security Department.
• Youth radicalisation is rising, with ISD handling 15 cases since 2022, and three youths detained for planning attacks from April to June this year.
• Concerns grow over returning foreign terrorist fighters and former prisoners with militant links resettling in Malaysia, posing increased risks in South-east Asia.

By Malay Mail
First Published: Thursday, 10 Sep 2026 9:39 AM MYT


SINGAPORE, Sept 10 — Singapore’s terrorism threat remains high amid conflicts in the Middle East that are being exploited by terrorist and extremist groups to spread propaganda and encourage attacks, the Internal Security Department (ISD) said.

The Straits Times reported that ISD’s annual terrorism report said the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the US-Israel conflict with Iran had contributed to growing tensions between communities, with anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim rhetoric and Islamophobia intensifying.

The conflicts have also contributed to an increase in youth radicalisation cases handled under the Internal Security Act (ISA), with cases involving young people rising from four between 2017 and 2021 to 15 since 2022.


Three youths aged between 14 and 19 detained between April and June this year had formulated plans for attacks in Singapore and were close to carrying them out.


ISD said the threat from global Islamist groups including Al-Qaeda and Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) also persists, although there is currently no specific intelligence indicating an imminent attack against Singapore.

Singapore remains an attractive target because of its perceived friendly ties with Western countries including the US and Israel, as well as its iconic landmarks and status as a secular, multicultural society.

Since its previous report in July 2025, ISD has dealt with eight Singaporeans under the ISA, seven of whom were self-radicalised males aged between 14 and 30, while five were ISIS supporters who were all under 21.


The report said ISIS propaganda remains easily accessible online, while three of the eight individuals had been radicalised following the re-escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in October 2023.

ISD also warned about the possible return of foreign terrorist fighters to South-east Asia, including 308 people who identified themselves as Indonesian escapees from the Al-Hol camp in Syria and reported to the Indonesian Embassy in Damascus.

“The potential return of such FTFs to South-east Asia, especially if undetected, would heighten the terrorism threat as they could plot attacks, impart operational know-how or inspire others,” said ISD.

The agency also highlighted concerns over former prisoners with Hamas links and militant experience who have resettled in Malaysia, saying their presence could pose security risks if more individuals with dangerous antecedents relocate to the region.

ISD said rehabilitation remained an important part of its counter-terrorism efforts, with more than 80 per cent of Singaporeans detained under the ISA since 2002 released after making good progress in rehabilitation.