Singapore claims detained Muslims were planning bomb attacks
Singapore is claiming to have averted bomb attacks on military targets and embassies in the country after arresting 15 suspected Islamic militants, some of whom allegedly trained at al-Qaida camps in Afghanistan.
Tony Tan, the country’s Defence Minister claimed the men were planning to attack military and diplomatic sites, but he did not specify which bases or embassies were potential targets.
The 14 Singaporeans and one Malaysian were arrested in December.
According to local reports, all were Muslims.
The Home Affairs Ministry said the 15 suspects were found with detailed information on bomb construction and photographs and video footage of targeted buildings.
Material linked to the al-Qaida network was also found in their homes and offices along with false passports and forged immigration stamps.
Mr Tan said some of those arrested were serving officers in Singapore’s military, though none had high-ranking positions.
He also said that Singapore is vulnerable because of its close ties with the United States and its recent unconditional support for US President George W Bush’s “war on terrorism”.
