Two persons detained in S'pore for terrorism activities

Singapore has detained two men for involvement in terrorism-related activities.

In a statement, Ministry of Home Affairs said Abd Rahim bin Abdul Rahman and Husaini bin Ismail had been issued orders of detention under the Internal Security Act, which allows for detentions without trial, in March and June this year, respectively.

Abd Rahim and Husaini were senior members of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) terrorist organisation, and they had undergone terrorist training in Afghanistan with the Al-Qaeda terrorist organisation in 1999/2000, siad the ministry.

The men had also been actively involved in reconnoitring several potential local and foreign targets in Singapore for the purpose of a terrorist attack, the MHA added.

Both men had fled Singapore in Dec 2001 soon after the commencement of the security operation against the JI and took refuge overseas.

According to the ministry, while on the run, Husaini was involved in the plot led by Singapore JI leader Mas Selamat bin Kastari to hijack an airplane destined for Singapore and crash it into Changi Airport in Jan 2002, to retaliate against the disruption of the Singapore JI network.

Abd Rahim was arrested in Malaysia in Feb 2012 and was deported to Singapore. Husaini was arrested in Indonesia in Jun 2009 and was imprisoned for immigration offences.  Upon the completion of his jail term in May 2012, Husaini was deported to Singapore, the ministry said.

MHA also said three JI members were released from detention between March 2012 and September 2012. They are Rijal Yadri bin Jumari (Rijal) and Mohd Jauhari bin Abdullah (Jauhari), and self-radicalised individual Muhammad Fadil bin Abdul Hamid (Fadil).

Also, restriction orders against 17 JI members were allowed to lapse between March 2012 and September 2012 for being cooperative and responsive to rehabilitation efforts, MHA said.