IGP: Militant group believed to have ties in Syria and southern Philippines

KUALA LUMPUR: The militant group, which was targeted last week by Bukit Aman Special Branch Anti-Terrorism Unit, is believed to have networks in Syria and southern Philippines.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said initial investigations revealed that the group has links to other countries as well.

"We are aware of their networks on foreign soil.

"We will be making more arrests soon," he told a press conference after a shooting competition between the police and the media here on Saturday.

Asked whether there was more than one militant groups in the country, Khalid said police would be monitoring the situation to determine if it was so.

He also revealed that the militants wished to send fighters to Syria.

"They can send but don't influence Malaysian youths and jeopardise the safety and security of Malaysia," he said.

Khalid said police would also investigate the possibility that the group was recruiting foreign students via social media.

Bukit Aman recently arrested 11 militants in the country in Selangor and Kedah.