The Memo: 16 Dec—22 Dec 2024

In brief:

• Indonesia: Indonesia arrests three suspected terrorists linked to MIT group. while thousands of ex-JI members renounce radicalism, pledge allegiance.
• Thailand: Explosion at Thai festival kills three, injures dozens.
• Germany: Vehicle-ramming attack at German market kills two.
• Myanmar: Arakan Army captures Myanmar junta's Western Command headquarters.
• Russia-Ukraine: Ukraine drone strikes hit deep inside Russia after border attacks.
• China: China accuses US of cyberattacks, stealing business secrets.

Terrorism and insurgency

1. Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

Indonesian counterterrorism police arrested three suspected terrorists in Central Sulawesi, including one fugitive on the run for 11 years. The suspects are believed to be connected to the Eastern Indonesia Mujahidin (MIT) terror group, despite previous reports of its disbandment. One of the arrested, Wawan, had been hiding for over a decade and was found in Palu City.

2. Central Java, Indonesia

Thousands of former Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) members and sympathisers gathered in Solo, Indonesia, to renounce radical views and pledge allegiance to the nation. The event, attended by 1,200 in person and 6,000 online, formalised their support for JI's disbandment and commitment to Indonesian law. High-ranking officials and former JI leaders witnessed the ceremony. The government pledged support for reintegration programs for former militants. Indonesia plans to recommend reduced prison sentences for over 180 former members of JI. The agency hopes that offering reduced sentences will incentivise other former members to formally disassociate from the group and reintegrate into Indonesian society.

3. Umphang, Thailand

An explosive device thrown into a crowd at a festival in northern Thailand killed at least three and injured dozens. The attack occurred at the Red Cross Doi Loyfa fair in Umphang district. Two suspects are in custody, and authorities are investigating the incident, believed to involve an improvised explosive device.

4. Magdeburg, Germany

A Saudi Arabian doctor drove into a Magdeburg Christmas market, killing two and injuring 60. The suspect, who had lived in Germany since 2006 and previously made threats, expressed anti-Islam and pro-AfD views. Authorities are investigating the motive, considering a deliberate attack, and noting similarities to the 2016 Berlin attack. They also acknowledge receiving prior warnings about him.

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Active conflicts and hot spots

1. Myanmar

The Arakan Army (AA) captured the Myanmar junta's Western Command headquarters in Ann town after two months of fighting. This is the second of 14 military commands to fall to the Brotherhood Alliance (of which AA is a member). Key junta commanders were detained, and some troops surrendered, though airstrikes and pursuit of fleeing soldiers continue.

2. Russia-Ukraine

Ukrainian drone strikes hit residential and industrial buildings in the Russian city of Kazan, located in the Tatarstan region over 600 miles from the front lines of the conflict. Eight drones were involved in the attack, with six hitting residential buildings, one striking an industrial facility, and one being shot down. This attack follows a Ukrainian strike on a Russian border town using U.S.-supplied missiles, which resulted in civilian casualties. Simultaneously, Russia launched 113 drones into Ukraine overnight, with Ukrainian forces claiming to have shot down 57. Fighting continues in eastern Ukraine, with Russia claiming to have captured a village near the besieged city of Kurakhove.

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Cybersecurity and lawful access

1. China

A Chinese cybersecurity body accused the US of cyberattacks targeting a research center and a data company, stealing business secrets. The attacks, one since August and another in May 2023, exploited vulnerabilities in document management and Microsoft Exchange software. These alleged attacks involved Trojan horse viruses and back-door programs to infiltrate servers and steal data. This accusation comes as the US investigates Chinese router company TP-Link.

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