The Memo: 8 Jul—14 Jul 2024
The Memo from 8 Jul—14 Jul 2024: Summary of incidents, ranging from terrorism, covert actions, organised crimes, regional conflicts to cybersecurity incidents.
In brief:
- Southeast Asia's violence threat low; Malaysia remains a terrorist transit point.
- Heightened security in Yala, Thailand, following insurgent activity intelligence.
- Hambali criticises 18-year Guantanamo detention, cites Indonesia’s political progress.
- Philippines crack down on illegal hospitals aiding fugitives' plastic surgery.
- Thailand's banks and regulators consider measures to prevent Myanmar's weapon purchases.
- Australia accuses China-backed hackers of targeting networks.
Terrorism and insurgency
- Malaysia
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that Southeast Asia faces a moderately low threat of violence, though Malaysia serves as a transit point for foreign terrorists. The government actively monitors groups like Daesh and Jemaah Islamiyah, detaining 565 individuals under the Security Offences Act. Malaysia’s improved ranking in the Global Terrorism Index shows effective control over domestic terror activities. - Thailand
Security has been heightened in Yala, Thailand, following intelligence reports of insurgent activities. Authorities have increased patrols and checkpoints, particularly in urban areas, to protect residents and tourists. The district chief of Betong has coordinated with various agencies to bolster security measures, including deploying rapid response teams to border areas and establishing strategic checkpoints. These actions aim to reassure and safeguard the local population and visitors amidst threats from insurgent groups planning retaliatory violence. Very recently, suspected insurgents disguised as paramilitary rangers raided four village protection units in Yala, stealing shotguns and pistols. The raids, possibly in retaliation for recent crackdowns, were attributed to a group led by Masanusi Luabanah. - Guantanamo
Indonesian terror suspect Encep Nurjaman, known as Hambali, criticised the US government for detaining him for 18 years without trial at Guantanamo Bay. He highlighted Indonesia’s progress in politics and human rights compared to his prolonged detention without trial. Hambali, charged with masterminding the 2002 Bali bombings, opposed the replacement of his US-assigned lead counsel, citing potential delays in his case.
Organised Crimes
- Philippines
Authorities in the Philippines are cracking down on clandestine hospitals providing plastic surgery to fugitives and illegal workers from online casinos, helping them evade arrest. Two larger illegal hospitals are under surveillance, following a raid in Pasay City where various medical equipment was seized. This raid resulted in the arrest of three unlicensed doctors and two other medical professionals, highlighting a broader issue with underground medical facilities catering to criminals.
Intelligence and Covert Actions
- Australia
Australian authorities have charged a soldier and her husband with spying for Russia. The couple allegedly obtained Australian Defence Force material to share with Russian authorities. Both, Russian-born Australian citizens, face charges of preparing for an espionage offence, carrying a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment.
Conflict
- Thailand
Thailand's commercial banks, regulators, and anti-money laundering office are considering measures to prevent Myanmar from acquiring weapons through Thailand’s banking system. This follows a report by U.N. special rapporteur Tom Andrews highlighting Thailand as Myanmar’s main military equipment supplier via international banking. Andrews called for stronger actions to align with ASEAN's plan to end violence in Myanmar. Thailand is evaluating Singapore's successful policies to improve its own regulatory measures.
Cyber security and unlawful access
- Australia
Australia accused a Chinese state-backed cyber hacking group of targeting its government and private sector networks. The group, identified as APT40, conducts "malicious cyber operations" for China’s Ministry of State Security. This unprecedented move by the Australian Signals Directorate reflects growing Western efforts to counter Chinese cyber threats. Australia's increased cybersecurity investment includes a $1.3bn deal with Amazon for a defence cloud network to enhance intelligence sharing with global allies.
ICYMI: Exclusive access to paid subscribers only...
- Insight on Navigating the Strategic and Policy Implications of Jemaah Islamiyah's Dissolution in Indonesia.
- Insight on Contextualising Al-Qaeda's Call To Arms and Implications for Southeast Asia's Militants.
- Flashpoint on U.S. Sanctions on Malaysian Semiconductor Trading Firm.
- Insight on Reassessing the Ulu Tiram Incident: The Subjectivity of Terror Labels.
- Insight on Jemaah Islamiyah Arrests in Sulawesi: Contextualising the Threat Perception by Alif Satria.
- Insight on India's Elections and Beyond: Balancing Nationalism with Global Aspirations by Hari Prasad.
- The Deep Dive on Shalom Avitan and Illicit Arms Trade in Malaysia's Periphery. A useful read to understand Thailand-Malaysia gunrunning.
- Flashpoint analysis on Iran-Israel Standoff: Navigating a No-Win Situation - Recent military exchanges between Israel and Iran have heightened regional tensions. What implications might this have for global stability?
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