Singapore Security Assessment Flags Rising Youth Radicalisation Risks

The Internal Security Department (ISD) of Singapore has confirmed that the terrorism threat facing the city-state remains high, citing a volatile global security environment exacerbated by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. According to the latest Singapore Terrorism Threat Assessment Report released on Thursday, while there is no specific intelligence indicating an imminent attack on the country, Singapore and its interests continue to be viewed as attractive targets by terrorist elements.

The department attributes this persistent threat to Singapore's perceived close ties with Western nations, particularly the United States and Israel, as well as the presence of iconic landmarks and its status as a secular, multicultural society. ISD noted that these factors make the country a symbol of values that extremist groups seek to undermine, keeping the overall threat level elevated despite the absence of a specific, time-bound warning.

Youth Radicalisation Emerges As Primary Concern

A significant shift in the demographic profile of those involved in terrorism has been identified by authorities. According to the report, six of the eight cases dealt with under the Internal Security Act since July 2025 involved individuals under the age of 21. The ISD described this trend as a pressing concern, noting that the average age of those being radicalised is decreasing, which poses new challenges for prevention and counter-radicalisation efforts.

Self-radicalisation remains the key driver of domestic terrorism threats in Singapore. The department highlighted the emergence of what it terms Composite Violent Extremism, or "salad bar" extremism, where individuals, particularly youths, draw from a diverse and overlapping mix of extremist ideologies rather than adhering to a single doctrinal framework. This blending of narratives makes it more difficult for security agencies to predict and counter specific threats.

Middle East Instability Drives Regional Threats

Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are sending ripple effects throughout Southeast Asia, with the activities of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its armed proxies, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, elevating the regional threat landscape. The ISD stated that these networks have expanded the scope of terrorism beyond the immediate theatre of conflict, creating a more complex security environment for the region.

Specific attention was drawn to the activities of Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (HAYI), a group linked to attacks in Canada, France, and the United Kingdom. The report noted that a key operative, Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, had applied for visas to visit Singapore on three separate occasions in 2023 and 2024. Although he did not enter the country, the ISD stated that they do not discount the possibility that his travel to the region could have been for terrorist purposes, potentially targeting US or Israeli interests.

Diverse Extremist Landscape In Southeast Asia

The violent extremist landscape in Southeast Asia is becoming increasingly diverse and fluid. According to the ISD, far-right extremism, Nihilistic Violent Extremism, and related online subcultures are blurring together in the digital sphere. This convergence of ideologies is complicating the security picture, as distinct groups and movements are finding common ground in online spaces, leading to a broader and more unpredictable threat environment.

The department also pointed to a rise in antisemitism, anti-Muslim rhetoric, and Islamophobia globally, fuelled by far-right extremist narratives. In some instances, this hatred has translated into physical violence. As the ISD continues to monitor these developments, the focus remains on maintaining robust intelligence gathering and community engagement to counter the evolving nature of these threats.