Threat risk level due to the conflict in the Middle East, and how Singaporeans can safeguard against the threats

Question:

Ms Hany Soh: To ask the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the Internal Security Department assesses there to be a heightened threat risk due to the Middle East situation; and (b) how can Singaporeans help to continue safeguard our domestic stability and safety.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has elevated the security threat landscape globally, including for Singapore.

2. The involvement of state actors, proxies and militant networks across the Middle East region has raised the risk of attacks and spillover incidents beyond the immediate theatre of the conflict.

3. The conflict in the Middle East also serves as a rallying point for extremist narratives. Terrorist groups and their affiliates have capitalised on the conflict to disseminate online propaganda justifying violence and inciting terrorist attacks.

4. These extremist narratives have also increased the risk of self-radicalisation, particularly in cyberspace. Since the escalation of the Israel-HAMAS conflict in October 2023, the Internal Security Department (ISD) has detained or issued Restriction Orders to six Singaporeans under the Internal Security Act, whose radicalisation was triggered or accelerated by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

5. A vigilant and cohesive Singapore is the best safeguard against these threats. Singaporeans are encouraged to remain vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious activities, including suspected radicalisation cases, to the authorities. We should also firmly reject any extremist or polarising narratives that could divide our society. These are important roles which everyone can and must play. SGSecure’s latest ‘Play Your Role’ campaign has been an important reminder to underscore the importance of every Singaporeans’ role in keeping Singapore safe and secure.