Security forces in the Malaysian state of Sabah are on high alert about a potential retaliation from the Islamic State-linked Abu Sayyaf group after five of its members were gunned down by police in a shootout there.
KOTA KINABALU: Security forces are on high alert following a shootout with an Islamic State-linked Abu Sayyaf group that saw five members of the cell gunned down by Malaysian police.
The red alert was issued as police fear the killings at a mangrove swamp squatter colony in southwestern Beaufort district on Monday morning could spark retaliation from remnant terrorists or sympathisers.
Those killed were notorious Abu Sayyaf subcommander Mabar Binda and foot soldiers Jurakhdam Binda, Alsimar Sukarno and Abhirham Samsula @ Samsed.
A fifth suspect has yet to be identified and is believed to have acted as a transporter and food provider.
Hazani showing the list of arrested Filipino nationals and suspected Abu Sayyaf linked terrorists.
KOTA KINABALU: Members of the notorious Abu Sayyaf group from the Philippines have been living under the radar for the past one year in Sabah after fleeing from security forces in their country.
This came to light when eight of these fugitives, their wives and 21 children, were arrested at a mangrove swamp squatter area near Taman Seri Arjuna in Beaufort district at about 3am on Saturday, said state Police Commissioner Datuk Hazani Ghazali.
The 21 children are found to be familiar with the “number one” finger sign, which is a symbol of loyalty to a terrorist movement.
Hazani showing the list of arrested Filipino nationals and suspected Abu Sayyaf linked terrorists.
KOTA KINABALU: Eight Abu Sayyaf members, their wives and children have been arrested in an operation at a mangrove swamp in Beaufort.
The eight, including two men on the Philippines wanted list, are suspected to have links to terrorist group Isis, state Police Commissioner Datuk Hazani Ghazali said on Monday (May 10).
He said, however, it was likely that these suspects were not linked to kidnap-for-ransom crimes in Sabah.
He said the suspects are believed to have fled here following an aggressive offensive by security forces in the Southern Philippines.