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Possible Attack In Manila After Ramadan, Say Intelligence Reports
Manila, 12 Oct. (AKI) - Sources within the Filipino military intelligence have raised the alarm of possible large scale terrorist attacks in Manila and other urban centres in the Philippines after the current Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which is scheduled to end in less than two weeks. Acording to the Filipino newspaper "The Star", the sources said that terrorists have already chosen their targets and that there is a real risk of an attack.As for the bombs which exploded in the southern island of Mindanao in the last two days killing eight people and injuring 36, the sources say that they were simply a "a dry-run for larger attacks next month". The intelligence sources indicated that possible targets in Mindanao include the city of Tacurong City, Kidapawan and General Santos City. In response, the authorities have said that they have stepped up security in areas close to government buildings, shopping centres, airports, ports and schools. The Philippines have often been described as the weak link in the fight against terrorism in Southeast Asia. Several terrorist groups and pro-Islamic movements are active in the country. Among the more active ones are the Abu Sayyaf and the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI). The two organisations, which often work together, have recently formed an alliance with the Rajah Solaiman Movement (RSM), a group made up of new converts to Islam. The RSM is considered to be the entry point into Manila for terrorists. Among the pro-Islamic groups, the largest is the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which has been fighting for the creation of an independent state for the Muslims of Mindanao for the past ten years. The MILF publically rejected terrorism several years ago but within the group, some elements are said to continue to collaborate with JI and the Abu Sayyaf. Posted by: Steve 2006-10-12 |
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