Self-Radicalised Teen Detained in Singapore for Plotting Attack on Non-Muslims

A 17-year-old Singaporean youth has been detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) after plotting to attack non-Muslim men in a public housing estate, according to a statement by the Internal Security Department (ISD) on Friday. The teen, who was self-radicalised through extremist propaganda from the Islamic State (ISIS), was arrested in August, just weeks before his planned attack.

The youth had intended to use household items, such as a kitchen knife or scissors, to carry out his attack. According to the ISD, he had already taken “concrete steps” toward executing his plan, including practising stabbing motions to "maximize damage" to his victims, focusing on areas like the neck. His attack was to take place near Tampines West Community Centre, a busy area known for shopping malls and recreational facilities, particularly crowded during school holidays.

A close call

Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam described the incident as a "very close shave," highlighting how narrowly authorities prevented the planned violence. "I would say this is one of the cases where it was quite close, fairly close," Shanmugam said, referring to the brief window between the youth’s arrest and the planned attack.

The teenager had mapped out his route from his home to the targeted site and had even conducted a walkthrough in preparation. He expressed pride in his plan, believing his actions would mark the first terrorist attack in Singapore in recent decades, the ISD revealed.

Here is what you need to know

The ISD’s investigation revealed that the youth became radicalised in mid-2023 while searching online for religious knowledge. He was exposed to violent jihadist ideologies and began following radical preachers and ISIS-linked forums. His radicalisation deepened after the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023, which led to a surge in extremist material. By January, he had committed to becoming a “martyr” for ISIS and pledged allegiance to the group in May, viewing himself as a full member.

The youth’s case is the fifth instance since 2020 of self-radicalised youths being detained under the ISA in Singapore for planning attacks.

Ongoing threat of self-radicalisation

This case underscores the persistent threat of online radicalisation, particularly among young people. While the youth has been issued a two-year detention order as of September, authorities remain vigilant about the influence of extremist propaganda circulating online.

Singapore’s Internal Security Department continues its efforts to identify and intervene in cases of self-radicalisation before they escalate into violence, reinforcing the country’s commitment to preventing terror-related activities within its borders.