Seven suspected Indonesian terrorists held

Seven Indonesian nationals were detained in raids conducted in Selangor recently on suspicion of being involved in terrorist activities by making Malaysia as a transit before going to Syria, inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar said yesterday.

He said the suspects, comprising three men and four women, aged between 25 and 35, were detained in raids conducted last Dec 2.

"One of them is a facilitator who arranged the departure of Indonesian militants to Syria, and is suspected to have links with Umar Patek, a senior member of the Abu Sayyaf group and al-Qaeda in South Asia," he said in a statement.

He said the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) was firm in addressing issues on international militant members making Malaysia as a transit before going to a third country.

The arrest of the suspects is a result of close cooperation between PDRM and regional and international enforcement and intelligence agencies, he added.

- Bernama