A 17-year-old youth in Singapore has been detained under a two-year order after planning a terror attack targeting non-Muslims in a residential neighborhood.
The teenager, who was self-radicalized, was arrested by the Internal Security Department (ISD) in August before he could carry out the attack, according to reports.
The ISD announced on Friday (October 18) that the youth, a supporter of the terrorist organization ISIS, had also intended to travel to Syria to participate in militant activities.
The ISD explained that the youth had planned to attack non-Muslims at a neighborhood center in Tampines West. Authorities intervened before the attack could take place, and after investigating, they issued a detention order to prevent further potential threats.
Singapore's Minister for Home Affairs expressed concern, noting that innocent bystanders, including children and elderly people, could have been the victims of such an attack. "Given the self-radicalization of the individual and how close he came to executing his plan, we believe detention is the best course of action," Shanmugam stated.
The case comes amid heightened concerns over terrorism globally, particularly in the wake of the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Singapore's authorities have reiterated that public vigilance plays a crucial role in defending against the growing threats of terrorism.
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