An Indonesian ISIS group was planning to launch a rocket attack on Singapore and only got caught because they used social media to plan out the attack.
Gigih Rahmat Dewa and five other accomplices were arrested on Batam island after an investigation revealed that Syria-based Islamic State jihadi had instructed them to carry out an attack on Singapore.
“The men in Batam seem to have been radicalised over social media, specifically using Facebook, rather than directly,” said police spokesman Boy Rafli Amar.
“They have been in communication with Bahrum Naim in Syria. It looks like he sent funds and instructions to them,” he added.
Although the wealthy island state has never been successfully attacked by Islamist militants, it’s government suspects that it’s only a matter of time before it happens.
According to the police, Gigih and his group were instructed to launch the rocket attack at Singapore’s Marina Bay, which is home to a casino and several office buildings.
“We are shocked that a completely ordinary person like him can be like that, can be suspected of being involved in radicalism,” said neighbour Rubiyati.
Monalisa, a 23-year-old who knew Gigih from Batam’s state polytechnic institute, where the two studied till 2014, described him as being normal person “positive, cheerful, humble and friendly with everyone”.
Facebook was allegedly used to carry out the attack. However, no details about the communication between the militants have been disclosed.
