JI plotting new acts of terrorism, S'pore says

JI plotting new acts of terrorism, S'pore says

Associated Press, Singapore

Members of the al-Qaeda-linked Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) terror network "are actively plotting new acts of terrorism," said a Cabinet minister in this wealthy Southeast Asian city-state.

"While we have detained most of Jamaah Islamiyah members in Singapore, the network has not been completely dismantled," said Lee Boon Yang, Singapore's Minister for Information, Tourism and the Arts.

"Jamaah Islamiyah members in the region are still actively plotting new acts of terrorism," he said.

The announcement comes after JI bomb expert Fathur Roman Al- Ghozi and two other high-profile terror suspects escaped from a Philippines prison last month. He is accused of purchasing more than a ton of explosives in a plot to destroy the U.S. Embassy, a U.S. Navy facility and other Western targets in Singapore.

Police in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia are searching for Al-Ghozi.

Singapore, a close ally of Washington, frequently hosts U.S. Navy warships on their way to the Persian Gulf. The island republic is also a vital business hub for East Asia, acting as headquarters for numerous international companies.

"We must still remain on alert against terrorists out to harm our people and economy," Lee said in a speech that was part of events in the lead-up to Singapore's National Day on Aug. 9. He did not elaborate.

Singapore has arrested over 30 suspected JI members since 2001.

JI reportedly wants to set up an Islamic state in Southeast Asia.