Malaysia arrests 13 suspects

Malaysian authorities said on Wednesday they had arrested 13 Malaysians suspected of having links to Islamic State and who were planning to leave for Syria.

Police on Monday raided a restaurant in Shah Alam, a suburb 30 minutes from the capital of Kuala Lumpur, after authorities discovered the group, which included women, was making plans to leave Malaysia.

"We have yet to search their house and this is an ongoing investigation," said Ayub Khan Mydin, the police counterterrorism division's deputy chief.

Malaysia has arrested a total of 36 people suspected of militancy since April of this year, and authorities believe that at least 30 are already in Syria and Iraq, fighting for groups tied to the Islamic State.

In June, the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that 15 Malaysians were killed in Syria while participating in activities linked to the Islamic State.

Malaysian militants have used Facebook and other social media sites to lure recruits, attracting thousands of followers online.

Reuters

(China Daily 10/16/2014 page11)