**SINGAPORE** – In a troubling development, three Singaporean men have been arrested for self-radicalizing online in response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which reignited global tensions after the attacks on October 7, 2023.

The individuals, identified as Muhammad Indra Aqmal Effendy, a 21-year-old lift mechanic, Mohamad Latiff Rahim, a 41-year-old director of a digital marketing firm, and Nurisham Yusoff, a 44-year-old security guard, were detained by the Internal Security Department (ISD) in November 2024 as they prepared to travel to the Middle East for jihadist activities.

According to ISD reports, the trio had been consumed by extremist narratives online and isolated themselves from moderate perspectives. They actively sought involvement in violent actions against Israel, with Indra and Nurisham showing intentions to join Hamas in Gaza, while Latiff sought to align with Iran-supported militant groups.

Radicalization Pathways

**Indra, The Mechanic** Indra became engulfed in extremist content showcasing the plight of Palestinians. He was drawn to radical ideologies of armed jihad and was actively engaged in preparatory activities, such as researching travel routes to Gaza, while honing combat skills with toy guns at home. Disturbingly, he also scouted shooting ranges in Batam, Indonesia, to train with real firearms.

**Latiff, The Director** Latiff was influenced by apocalyptic prophecies and felt compelled to fight as part of a divine duty amid what he believed to be an impending end-times scenario. His radicalization took root over a decade ago but was heavily intensified after the 2023 attacks. He practiced violent techniques with kitchen knives, improperly equating this with legitimate combat training.

**Nurisham, The Security Guard** Seeking religious enlightenment, Nurisham became susceptible to radical preachers online. He internalized the idea that engaging in martyrdom was a way to atone for his sins. His social media activities became a plea for assistance in joining the conflict, indicating how glorified martyrdom ideologies can lead individuals to pursue violent actions abroad.

Wider Security Implications

The ISD emphasized that these cases illustrate the ramifications of overseas conflicts on Singapore's domestic security. Since the escalation of the Israel-Hamas war, authorities reported at least five Singaporeans radicalized under similar influences. The ongoing discourse around extremism necessitates public vigilance, with officials stressing the importance of recognizing signs of radicalization, including frequent engagement with extremist content online and expressing views that incite violence.

ISD, alongside the Ministry of Defence (Mindef), is enhancing surveillance and security protocols to identify and manage potential threats emerging from former national service personnel who might misuse their training. Mindef reassures that military security departments closely monitor personnel to preclude any risks.

As Singapore navigates these alarming developments, the government calls on the public to remain guarded against radical ideologies and to report suspicious activities that may indicate radicalization.

Call to Action

If you know of someone who may be showing signs of radicalization or engaging with extremist content, reach out to the ISD hotline at 1800-2626-473. Your proactive steps could aid in thwarting potential threats to community safety.