According to the reports on (18 October), a 17-year-old Singaporean was arrested under the Internal Security Act (ISA) just weeks before he intended to carry out a terror attack in a local Housing Board estate. The youth had self-radicalized and was a staunch supporter of the Islamic State, according to the Internal Security Department (ISD). His planned attack targeted non-Muslim males and was set to take place near Tampines West Community Centre during the September school holidays.
The teenager had planned to use a kitchen knife or a pair of scissors from his home as weapons. ISD revealed that since 2020, five self-radicalized youths have been detained for attempting to carry out attacks in Singapore with easily accessible weapons like knives. The department noted that such attacks require little time and preparation, making them a significant threat.
At the time of his arrest in August, the youth was less than a month away from executing his plan. His determination to carry out the attack raised alarm among authorities, leading to his swift arrest and detention. His case highlights the continuing risks posed by self-radicalisation, particularly among young people.
Following his arrest, the teenager was issued a two-year detention order in September. This case adds to the growing list of youths being detained under the ISA for similar terror-related activities, underscoring the importance of ongoing vigilance and intervention to prevent such attacks in Singapore.
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