Isis siege is trouble for Asia

INDONESIA: A top terrorism researcher says the attack by Islamic State group-affiliated militants on a Philippine city has galvanised its Southeast Asian supporters and spells trouble for the region.

The new report by Sidney Jones, director of the Jakartabased Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict, was released yesterday as the occupation of Marawi nears two months.

Jones said there now may be a higher risk of attacks on other Philippine cities, and co-operation between militants across regional borders could expand.

She said militants in Indonesia and Malaysia could redouble efforts to attack police and may also target foreigners.

She said photos posted by militants during the initial assault ``strengthened the desire of Isis supporters in the region to join the battle’'. – AP