SE Asia boosts fight against 'real and present' militant threat

Southeast Asian countries have underestimated the threat of militant attacks, Ng says

Singapore (AFP) - Southeast Asian nations seeking to combat the threat of militancy have agreed to share intelligence, Singapore's defence minister said Saturday, as he warned of a "real and present" danger to the region.

More than a year after Islamic State-linked fighters seized the southern Philippine city of Marawi, the terrorist threat is as potent as ever, said Ng Eng Hen after hosting a meeting of defence ministers.