Japan security advisory likely stems from Taliban takeover: analysts

KUALA LUMPUR – The security advisory issued by Japan on potential attacks in Southeast Asia is most likely the result of the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan that has led to a volatile situation among terror groups in the region. 

Counterterrorism experts warned Putrajaya not to brush off potential threats to Malaysia, which has been identified by Japan as among the nations at risk.

Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies security studies Prof Rohan Gunaratna said the return of the Taliban to helm war-torn Afghanistan has galvanised militant groups al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.

The analyst, who specialises in international terrorism, said it is vital that governments in the region nip the problem in the bud, before potential strikes take place. 

Speaking to The Vibes, he said the Taliban’s swift return to power last month was celebrated by nearly 40 al-Qaeda-centric extremist groups globally.

The renewed alliance between the Taliban and al-Qaeda has created a highly charged environment as they compete with IS to conduct strikes, he said.

“Terrorist groups in Southeast Asia with ideological and operational links to al-Qaeda and IS pose a threat to the region’s governments and communities.

“Some have celebrated the return of the Taliban, and they should be dismantled before they strike.” 

Raising further concern are Covid-19 restrictions and lockdowns, which he said have limited the resources of security and anti-terrorism forces in terms of training and operations. 

“The emboldened terrorist and extremist groups are also active both on social media and in the physical space.” 

Rohan was commenting on a report by The Vibes yesterday that the Japanese government has warned its citizens in Malaysia and other Asean countries of possible terror acts.

An alert issued by the Japanese embassy on its website said there is an increasing possibility of suicide bombings in crowded places such as houses of worship, and Japanese citizens are urged to avoid areas prone to seeing large gatherings.

Other locations marked as at-risk are military, police, and security-related facilities, as well as government facilities.

Similar notices have been issued by the Japanese embassies in several other countries, including Singapore and the Philippines.

Wise to practise extra caution

Ahmad El-Muhammady Muhammad Uthman El-Muhammady, an assistant professor at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation, called on the government to be on alert in light of the volatile situation.

He too said the warning issued by Japan is likely linked to the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, especially with indications of receptivity among certain militant groups in the region, including Indonesia.

He noted that there are also Islamist organisations unhappy with the Taliban’s resurgence as they see the group as “betraying” their struggles by supposedly “shaking hands with the United States” in an agreement to assume control of Afghanistan.

Given this, he said, the caution exercised by Japan is wise, and he urged all parties to take the latest development seriously.

“It is common practice for embassies to issue an advisory warning to their citizens residing in foreign countries whenever the situation is volatile in the region. 

And in Malaysia, we, too, need to be vigilant and alert. The authorities must not take the warning lightly. Any threat is still a threat; they must not close their eyes and ears to this issue.” 

El-Muhammady expressed confidence that Malaysian authorities are up to the task of handling terror threats and will not compromise on the matter.

He said the movement restrictions brought about by Covid-19 are keeping people away from tourist spots – locations usually targeted by terrorists for maximum impact – thus reducing the possibility of an attack happening.

“Also, I don’t see an attack taking place at government facilities, as this requires tremendous expertise, preparation, and equipment to cause real damage, something that the terrorists have been missing since the death of Azahari Husin in 2005.” 

Azahari, a Jemaah Islamiyah bomb expert, is believed to have masterminded a number of attacks in the region, including the 2002 Bali bombings that killed over 200 people.

Wisma Putra said it views the present terror threat seriously, and that the authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani in a statement yesterday said Malaysia’s national security and public order are under control.

Police have not received intelligence on present national security threats, he said.

“The public is advised to remain calm and refrain from speculation. Police will ensure the nation remains safe, and have increased surveillance operations.” – The Vibes, September 14, 2021