Zahid: Terror is not what Islam teaches us
Another Malaysian militant has been confirmed to have been killed in clashes with Philippine armed forces in Marawi City, bringing the death toll to three.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Philippine security forces had identified two militants killed earlier and were identifying the third Malaysian militant.
“Yes, I confirm that three Malaysian militants have been killed, of which the first two have been identified and details of the third Malaysian militant will be obtained soon from the Philippine government,” Zahid said at the breaking of fast with some 1,000 residents here yesterday.
He said the three militants had assimilated into the 200,000 residents of Marawi City, which extremists have used as a base to launch their struggle to form their so called Islamic Caliphate.
The three Malaysian militants killed were among 13 militants killed in clashes in southern Philippines in the past 10 days.
The clashes occurred when Philippine forces were hunting down Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and the Maute group, which has ties to the Islamic State in Marawi, Mindanao.
Zahid reminded everyone to be cautious as violence could occur anywhere and anytime.
“Militants from Marawi can flee to Sabah, and we have seen what happened in Bangkok and Jakarta.”
He said all forms of terrorism committed around the world were not done due to religious reasons.
He said studies had shown that 87 per cent of those who commit acts of terror did not have any formal training or education in religion or had a strong religious background.
“Most terrorists want a shortcut to heaven to escape whatever problems they have, such as financial or family problems.
“They learn to make bombs from the Internet and plough trucks into crowds.
“That is not what Islam teaches us.”