They say militant group remains capable and dangerous even after death of leader
MANILA/KUALA LUMPUR • South-east Asian countries fighting the influence of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in the region have lauded the killing of its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, but said security forces were preparing for a long battle to thwart the militant group's ideology.

The Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia, home to some of Asia's most organised Islamist militants, said on Monday that they were prepared for retaliation by ISIS loyalists, including "lone wolf" attacks by locals radicalised by the group's powerful online propaganda.

Baghdadi killed himself in a tunnel in north-west Syria by detonating a suicide vest as United States forces closed in, according to US President Donald Trump.


Though his death will unsettle ISIS, it remains capable and dangerous, said Mr Delfin Lorenzana, Defence Secretary of the Philippines, where the group's influence has taken a hold among unschooled Muslim youth in its troubled Mindanao region.

"This is a blow to the organisation, considering Baghdadi's stature as a leader. But this is just a momentary setback, considering the depth and reach of the organisation worldwide," he said. "Somebody will take his place."

South-east Asia has long been an important focus for ISIS, which has inspired Islamist militants in West Africa, across the Middle East and Asia, and through to Indonesia and the Philippines.

The Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia are concerned that ISIS supporters from the region and those fleeing Iraq and Syria could exploit the porous borders, lawlessness and abundant arms found in Mindanao to take refuge in its far-flung villages.

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ISIS has claimed responsibility for four suicide bombings since July last year in the Philippines, which fought its toughest battle since World War II in 2017 when extremists seeking to establish an ISIS stronghold laid siege to Marawi City and occupied it through five months of air and ground assaults.

Source: straittimes