Eleven suspected militants, arrested since April, helped those who had organised the 2002 Bali bombers escape capture. They also belonged to a group that had plans to create an Islamic state spanning Indonesia, Malaysia, south Thailand and the southern Philippines.Police established that they were working with militants in Indonesia and the Philippines.
That was the good news. The less assuring news was that the 11 detained were not the leaders or masterminds. "We are still trying to ascertain who is behind them," said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Bakri Omar.
The police success came after a one-year operation. Six Malaysians, three Indonesians and two Filipinos have been arrested in Sandakan, Tawau and Klang. The 11 members of the group, based in Sabah, have been smuggling firearms and ammunition in the region. "With the arrests, the police have crushed the underground network of the militant group Darul Islam Sabah which collaborated with Indonesian militants," said Bakri.
All 11 are being held under the Internal Security Act.