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Graphic shows selected Islamic State-linked terrorist groups in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.
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TERRORISM

Islamic State affiliates in Southeast Asia

By Duncan Mil

June 28, 2017 - As so-called Islamic State loses control of territory in Syria and Iraq, violence by IS affiliates is surging on the other side of the world -- specifically in the Philippines and Indonesia.

At least 30 violent and active militant groups in Southeast Asia have already pledged allegiance to Islamic State.

These include the Indonesian group Jemaah Islamiya, which was responsible for the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people, and Jamaah Ansharut Tauhid, also based in Indonesia. The Filipino group Abu Sayyaf, which beheaded a German hostage in February; the Bangsomoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and Ansar al-Khilafah Philippines based on Mindanao.

The recently-formed Maute group is now the biggest and most deadly among Islamic State groups in the southern Philippines. The Mautes, with nationals from Malaysia and Indonesia, are at the forefront of the battle with the military for control of Marawi City in Mindanao.

Also, Malay-speaking militants established the Katibah Nusantara combat unit in 2014, headquartered in Al Shadadi, about 125km east of Raqqa in Syria.

Most estimates place the strength of Katibah Nusantara at around 800-900 fighters. The majority are Malaysians, with an estimated 200 Indonesians as well, and a few from Singapore and the Philippines. Around 200 of these battle-hardened militants are thought to have returned home.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 28/06/2017; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Cebu City Police
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