Youth Extremism: Singapore's Internal Security Challenges

Singapore has detained two teenagers under the Internal Security Act. A 15-year-old girl supported Islamic State, while a 17-year-old boy identified as an 'East Asian Supremacist' planned mosque attacks. Authorities stress the need for vigilance against extremism and radicalization in the country.

In a significant security move, Singapore has detained two teenagers under the Internal Security Act (ISA), the Internal Security Department announced on Wednesday. A 15-year-old girl was taken into custody for supporting the Islamic State, marking her as the first female minor to face such action.

Alongside her, a 17-year-old boy has been identified as a supporter of far-right extremist ideologies. Linked to online content associated with previously detained 18-year-old Nick Lee Xing Qiu, he had plotted attacks on local mosques, raising concerns about rising radicalization.

Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam emphasized the need for vigilance, noting the serious threat posed by both far-right and extremist Islamist ideologies. Speaking at Masjid Maarof, one of the boy's planned attack sites, Shanmugam urged Singaporeans to remain alert to the dangers of extremism.

(With inputs from agencies.)