Foiled Singapore Rocket Attack: Indonesian police arrest six suspects

SINGAPORE: Indonesian authorities have arrested six terror suspects, including the group leader who had plans to fire a rocket from Batam in an attack on Singapore’s Marina Bay, according to Indonesian media reports.

The men, aged between 19 and 46, were arrested at various locations across Batam. A stash of weapons was found at one of the locations, a housing complex, the reports said.

The six were allegedly from terrorist group KGR@Katibah GR – whose ringleader Gigih Rahmat Dewa, 31, is said to be behind the plot to attack Marina Bay.

The other five suspects are: Trio Syafrido, 46, a bank employee, and factory workers Eka Saputra, 35; Tarmidzi, 21; Hadi Gusti Yanda, 20; and M Tegar Sucianto, 19. The group is suspected of harbouring two Uighurs, according to Indonesian police.

“Yes, there were indeed plans for the attack. But the plans did not materialise,” Indonesian national police spokesperson Boy Rafli Amar was quoted in reports as saying.

The plan to fire the rocket missile from Batam was hatched with the help of known Indonesian militant Bahrun Naim, who now operates out of Syria, reports said.

Mr Boy Rafli said police had yet to determine the motive behind the plot or when the suspects were planning to launch the attack with rocket missiles – evidence of which has not been found.

The suspects are currently being investigated at special counter-terrorism squad Densus 88’s headquarters for their involvement in Islamic State’s Indonesian terror network.

SINGAPORE ‘AWARE’ OF TERROR PLOT

In response to media queries, Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said it is aware of the attack plan and has been working with the Indonesian authorities since the discovery of the plot.

“Our security agencies have been coordinating closely with the Indonesian authorities since the discovery of this attack plot, to monitor the activities of the group and to apprehend those involved. We are grateful for the good cooperation by the Indonesian authorities and their actions to apprehend the group,” the ministry said.

The police and other agencies have been stepping up inland and border security measures in Singapore in response to this threat and the “prevailing security situation”, it added.

“This development highlights the seriousness of the terrorism threat to Singapore, and the importance of the SGSecure national movement. The public are advised to remain vigilant.”