US Warns Of Possible ISIS Threat In KL: Here's What We Know So Far
It is said that the police are on alert and have increased patrols in Jalan Alor in KL.
By Sadho Ram — 25 Sep 2015, 06:21 AM — Updated over 8 years ago
Police nabs 3 suspected terrorists near Jalan Alor after US terrorism warnings
The three - a Malaysian, a Syrian and an Indonesian - were picked up by the Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter Terrorism Division on Thursday, 24 September.
thestar.com.myThey were arrested in a raid carried out by the federal police Special Branch's Counter-Terrorism Division near Jalan Alor about 6pm Thursday.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Noor Rashid Ibrahim said the arrests were made based on tip-off received by the division from their international intelligence network and surveillance.
He said police believed that the suspects were involved in terrorism activities, and had the intention to launch terror attacks on Malaysian soil. They are being detained to facilitate investigations under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.
"Police are still investigating to confirm if the three are involved in any plans to launch attacks in Malaysia," Noor Rashid said.
themalaysianinsider.com
25 SEPT: In a travel warning issued on the website of the United States Embassy in KL, the US has warned its citizens to avoid Jalan Alor and its surrounding areas in KL, fearing a "possible terrorist act"
"Based on credible threat information regarding potential terrorist act, the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur advises US citizens to avoid Kuala Lumpur's Jalan Alor and the immediate surrounding areas on Thursday, Sept 24," the alert reads.
malaysiakini.com
“For all other locations, the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur reminds US citizens of the need for caution and awareness of personal security. In the past, terrorist organisations have on occasion planned their attacks to coincide with significant dates on the calendar,” said the embassy.
thestar.com.myWarning that terror attacks have in the past happened on significant dates, the US Embassy reminded its citizens to remain vigilant while travelling as they may be targeted by Muslim extremist groups
“Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance, take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security, and follow instructions of local authorities.”
therakyatpost.com
The alert by the US Embassy was also circulated by the Australian government on its Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website
"There is an ongoing threat of terrorism in Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur and other major cities. In 2015, Malaysian authorities have made a number of arrests of persons allegedly involved in planning attacks, including against entertainment venues in Kuala Lumpur," the Australian alert reads
malaysiakini.com
“Due to a possible terrorism threat, Australians are advised to avoid Kuala Lumpur’s Jalan Alor (Alor Street) and the immediate surrounding areas on Thursday 24 September. The level of advice has not changed. We continue to advise Australians to reconsider the need to travel to the coastal region of eastern Sabah, and to exercise normal security precautions in Malaysia overall,” the alert said.
thestar.com.myHowever, while both The Star and Malaysiakini are reporting that the police have said no terrorist threat exists, The Malaysian Insider (TMI) is claiming otherwise.
According to a TMI report, police are on alert and have increased patrols in Jalan Alor and the surrounding areas in Kuala Lumpur.
Citing an unnamed KL police source, TMI further reports that the police believe the terror threat to be in retaliation for the crackdown against the militants.
Last month, Malaysian police arrested 10 suspected Isis members in multiple raids across the country. Those arrested included six security forces personnel, a former interior designer and a kindergarten teacher, it was reported.
The suspects – eight men and two women – were detained by the special counter-terrorism division in six separate areas, including Kuala Lumpur.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said then that the suspected militants were believed to be plotting an attack on Malaysian soil, and were collecting funds to assist Malaysian Isis members wanting to travel to Syria.
themalaysianinsider.com
Meanwhile, Malaysiakini reported that it found nothing untoward at the Bukit Bintang area, where Jalan Alor is located, adding that it was filled with tourists as per usual, with minimal police presence
