Malaysia, Australia to share intel on terror elements returning from Iraq

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Australia will share intelligence on militants in Southeast Asia, a senior Malaysian minister said on Tuesday, as the two allies brace for the possible return of Daesh militants from Iraq.

Malaysian Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said the success of the Mosul operation would drive hundreds of militants and sympathizers from Southeast Asia back to their home countries.

“Daesh is a common foe that we need to face,” Hishammuddin told reporters after meeting Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop in Parliament.

“If the offensive in Mosul is successful, we will see a lot of hardened returnees and sympathizers to the region, especially in Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines and South Thailand.”

He said Australia had also agreed to provide technological support and equipment in efforts to deal with the rising threat of Daesh in the region, particularly the Abu Sayyaf militant group that has pledged allegiance to Daesh.

Muslim- majority Malaysia arrested more than 250 people between 2013 and 2016 over suspected militant activities linked to the terror group.

On Monday, Malaysian police said they arrested seven people, including five Filipinos, for suspected links to Daesh.

Malaysia has been on high alert since armed gunmen launched multiple attacks in Jakarta, the capital of neighboring Indonesia, in January 2016.