Indonesian terror group takes to social media, calling on Malaysian comrades to have Ayob killed.
- Singled out Ayob to be “finished off”
- High chances of Malaysian and Indonesian militants collaborating
- Calls to also attack casino in Genting and Batu Caves
Indonesian Islamic State (IS) militants have issued a threat against Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter-Terrorism Division head Deputy Comm Datuk Ayob Khan and have been urging their comrades in Malaysia to eliminate him as they view him as their main threat.
The chilling message spread through social media read, “Di Malaysia negara yang udah dibawah Khilafah ada satu nama polis AYOB KHAN…dia kerja dengan pemerintah thogut…dia juga orang yang tangkap askar khilafah di Malaysia…semua ikhwan khilafah yang ada di Malaysia bangun sekarang dan habiskan AYOB KHAN orang yang mau lawan dengan KHALIFAH ABU BAKAR AL BAGHDADI.”
(In Malaysia, which is now under the Caliphate, there is a policeman by the name of AYOB KHAN…he is working with the infidel government. He is also responsible for the arrests of the soldiers of the Caliphate in Malaysia. All the soldiers of the Caliphate, awake now and finish off AYOB KHAN who dares to challenge the CALIPH ABU BAKAR AL BAGHDADI.)
Intelligence sources view such a direct threat by Indonesian militants as highly dangerous.
“It is definitely very serious as Indonesian IS militants are very committed and have a wide network in the region and globally.
“Their ties to militants in Malaysia are also quite close and the Indonesian militants have expertise in making electronic devices,” a source told The Star last Friday.
Ayob said he was aware of the threat.
“Initial investigations revealed that the threat was circulated on social media since last week.
“I have received many death threats over the years but this is the first time Indonesian militants have issued a clarion call to fellow militants in Indonesia, Malaysia and other countries to have me killed,” Ayob said.
He said that the threat was made during Ramadan because the militants believed they would get more blessings if they attacked him during the holy month.
“It is their own twisted beliefs. The chances of a collaboration between Malaysian and Indonesian militants to have me killed are high given their close relations.
“In Syria, Malaysian and Indonesian militants formed a squad called Khatibah Nusantara operating in Raqqa.
“Furthermore, there is a rise of militants in Syria returning to Southeast Asia given the onslaught on the IS strongholds in Mosul, Iraq and Raqqa, Syria,” he said.
Ayob revealed that the threat was more serious after several of them were detained in Slim River and Sandakan recently.
“The suspect in Slim River detained on Jun 13, was an administrator for a Telegram app group that has almost 200 militants from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Oman and European countries.”
The suspect accused the Prime Minister of not practising Islamic laws, and labelled the police and army as lapdogs of a secular government, he said.
The same suspect also called on attacks on a casino in Genting Highlands and Batu Caves, added Ayob.
Despite the threats, the anti-terror chief said the police were committed to ensuring the safety and security of the country and the people.
Since February 2013, the division has arrested 310 militants, including 21 Indonesians.
It also foiled 18 terror plots, except for the Movida bombing last year.