Indonesia nabs suspect linked to Singapore attack plot

By Ainur Rohmah

TUBAN, Indonesia (AA) – Indonesian police have arrested a suspected member of a terror cell that reportedly plotted to launch a rocket attack on Singapore.

National police spokesman Brig. Gen. Agus Rianto said Sunday that the 24-year-old man -- identified by his initials LH -- joined the “Katibah Gonggong Rebus” that authorities also accuse of recruiting people to fight with Daesh in Syria.

“Together with his terrorist group, he also facilitated the departure of Indonesian citizens to Syria,” Rianto was quoted as saying by kompas.com.

"He, with his group, was also plotting an attack on Marina Bay," he added, referring to an area near Singapore's central business district.

Last month, five suspected members of the network -- including leader Gigih Rahmat Dewa -- were arrested during raids in Batam in the Riau Islands Province

Police later revealed that the group is believed to have dozens of members across the archipelago.

Police spokesman Rianto said Sunday that the network received funding from Bahrun Naim, an Indonesian fighting with Daesh in Syria who authorities believe masterminded a fatal attack in Jakarta in January.

They reportedly planned terror attacks in some public spaces, including attacks in Singapore, and provided accommodation or financial support to those recruited to be sent to Syria.

Indonesia has been on alert against extremist activities over the past year, further heightening security measures after the attack in the capital left eight people -- including four Daesh-linked suspects -- dead in January.