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Don’t underestimate MIT members at large: BNPT
A counterterrorism official has said the arrest of East Indonesia Mujahidin (MIT) leader Basri, alias Bagong, in Poso, Central Sulawesi, on Wednesday, may further weaken the power of the terrorist group; however, security authorities should not underestimate the potential of the group’s militants, who remain at large, in staging terror attacks.
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Busted -- Operation Tinombala task force personnel escort East Indonesia Mujahidin (MIT) terrorist group leader Basri, alias Bagong (center), who was arrested in Tangkura village, South Poso Pesisir, on Wednesday. (JP/Ruslan Sangadji)
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counterterrorism official has said the arrest of East Indonesia Mujahidin (MIT) leader Basri, alias Bagong, in Poso, Central Sulawesi, on Wednesday, may further weaken the power of the terrorist group; however, security authorities should not underestimate the potential of the group’s militants, who remain at large, in staging terror attacks.
“Even though their power has been weakened, the possibility of an attack is still an enormous threat as these individuals are linked to global terrorist networks," National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) deputy head of enforcement Arief Dharmawan said on Wednesday.
MIT members are linked to other terrorist groups. Therefore, even if they only have a small supply of munitions, they could still initiate devastating attacks with the support of other terrorist groups, Arief explained.
Arief said the BNPT monitored the movement of MIT and other terrorist groups in Indonesia. The agency was also increasing measures to curb the spread of radicalism and conduct comprehensive programs to deradicalize suspected militant group members in Poso, Central Sulawesi.
Basri was arrested in Tangkura village, South Poso Pesisir, at around 9:30 a.m. local time on Wednesday. He was second in command after Santoso, aka Abu Wardah, who was shot dead in an ambush on July 18. (ebf)
