Terrorist threat in Singapore remains high, fuelled by Middle East conflicts: ISD
Youth radicalisation remains a pressing concern, with more young people getting radicalised.
The Internal Security Department (ISD) of Singapore has reported a high terrorism threat facing the country, largely driven by volatile global security conditions stemming from conflicts in the Middle East. In its annual terrorism report, ISD highlighted how terrorist and extremist groups have utilized conflicts such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and US-Israeli tensions with Iran to propagate propaganda and incite supporters to launch attacks on their perceived enemies.
The report emphasized that escalating tensions and anti-Semitic rhetoric within the Middle East have fueled growing community hostilities and amplified anti-Muslim sentiments. These factors have contributed to a surge in youth radicalization cases handled under the Internal Security Act (ISA). Between 2017 and 2021, only four such cases were recorded, but the number nearly quadrupled to 15 cases since 2022, with three of the detained young individuals (aged 14-19) having formulated local attack plans.
ISD stressed that while no specific intelligence exists of an imminent attack on Singapore, the Republic remains an attractive target due to its friendly ties with Western nations, iconic landmarks, and its multicultural society. The department also noted the persistent threat posed by global Islamist terror groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS. Although there is no immediate threat, ISD warned of the potential return of foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) from conflict zones, which could heighten the terrorism risk.
The report also highlighted concerns over former Palestinian prisoners with Hamas links and militant experiences resettling in Malaysia, potentially posing security risks. Moreover, ISD reported eight youths detained under the ISA since July 2025, seven of whom were self-radicalized males aged 14 to 30. Three of these youths were ISIS supporters, having been exposed to pro-ISIS content on social media.
The youngest detainee was a 14-year-old who planned to attack non-Muslim students at his school. ISD stressed that community members play a crucial role in identifying and reporting early signs of radicalization, noting that many of the self-radicalized individuals displayed warning signs to their family and friends.
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