KL, Bangkok to hunt for terrorists

KL, Bangkok to hunt for terrorists

MALAYSIA: Malaysia on Tuesday offered to help Thailand search for suspected members of the Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) terror group who may be hiding in the remote border region shared by the two neighbors.

Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Malaysia would help in the hunt, if asked, but its security forces would not enter Thailand without permission. He did not elaborate on what type of assistance might be provided.

Suspected JI members have been arrested in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Alleged bombing mastermind Hambali, whose real name is Riduan Isamuddin, was caught on Aug. 11 just north of Bangkok.

Thai intelligence officials have reportedly said they believe some JI members are still in the country and might strike during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit on Oct. 20-21. At least 20 world leaders, including U.S. President George W. Bush, are expected to attend. --AP