SINGAPORE: In a startling development, two teenage Singaporeans have been detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for self-radicalisation, underscoring a concerning trend among the youth in the nation. Among them, a 15-year-old girl has made headlines as the first female youth supporter of the Islamic State, and the second-youngest individual to be subjected to the ISA, showcasing a new dimension in the fight against extremism.

The girl harbored ambitions of not only marrying an Islamic State fighter in Syria but also envisioned raising a family devoted to the group’s ideologies. The Internal Security Department (ISD) revealed that she had engaged in multiple short-term romantic relationships with overseas ISIS supporters and actively promoted extremist propaganda on social media.

Her exposure to Islamic State propaganda commenced in June 2023, leading her to develop a conviction that the group was a legitimate force for Muslims. After pledging allegiance to the former caliph Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, she viewed herself as part of the ISIS mission. Alarmingly, the teenager made multiple attempts to seek travel to Syria, investigating flight options and contemplating how to fund her journey.

This case highlights the alarming speed at which self-radicalisation can occur; ISD officials noted that in just weeks, the teenage girl’s worldview had been severely warped by extremist content. Sadly, her mother was aware of her exposure to such materials but did not seek further intervention.

In a parallel case, authorities apprehended a 17-year-old who had been influenced by violent far-right ideologies. This youth was linked to a previously detained individual, Nick Lee Xing Qiu, and was reportedly planning attacks on various mosques across Singapore. His aspirations mirrored those of notorious far-right extremists, as he sought to emulate infamous attacks such as the Christchurch shooting in New Zealand, aiming to inflict mass casualties among Muslims.

Disturbingly, the ISD’s investigation revealed that the 17-year-old had identified at least five mosques as potential attack targets, laying elaborate plans for maximum impact. He even contemplated livestreaming these violent acts to gain notoriety. While he had not yet procured a weapon, he had actively sought methods to acquire firearms through dubious online contacts but encountered numerous challenges that thwarted his plans.

Both cases illustrate a troubling trend of youth self-radicalisation in Singapore, with the ISD noting a significant increase in younger individuals being radicalised online. Since 2015, a total of 17 youths under 20 have been dealt with under the ISA, predominantly influenced by online extremist propaganda. The agency warns that the threat remains high, with ongoing global ISIS propaganda and far-right extremism resonating among vulnerable youths.

Minister for Home Affairs and Law K Shanmugam stressed the urgent need for vigilance in society to combat radicalisation. He urged families and friends to observe behavioral changes in their loved ones and report suspicious activities to authorities. Emphasizing that timely intervention can often lead to rehabilitation, he recounted success stories of individuals who have turned their lives around after disengaging from extremist ideologies.

With the rise of online radicalisation posing a serious threat to social cohesion, the government reinforces its commitment to counter-terrorism efforts. The message is clear: community awareness and proactive reporting can save lives and help steer young individuals away from the perilous path of extremism.

Stay informed! Are there more potential extremists lurking among us? The answer might surprise you!