Iran-backed militia commander made repeated bids to visit Singapore, says ISD
Singapore's security agency revealed that a commander of an Iran-backed Iraqi militia attempted to enter the country multiple times between 2023 and 2024. The report underscores the ongoing regional security risks posed by Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions.
Why it matters
The incident highlights how global conflicts can create localized terrorism threats, necessitating increased vigilance and international intelligence cooperation.
SINGAPORE, Sept 10 — A commander of an Iran-backed Iraqi militia who allegedly plotted attacks against Jewish targets in Europe, Canada and the United States tried to enter Singapore on multiple occasions, the city-state’s security agency said Thursday.
Singapore said it would not have allowed Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi to enter the country, but warned the case highlighted how conflicts in the Middle East could raise terrorism risks in South-east Asia.
In an annual terrorism threat assessment report, the Internal Security Department (ISD) said that Al-Saadi, who is in US custody awaiting trial, applied for visas to visit Singapore in 2023 and 2024.
“Baqer had applied for visas to visit Singapore on three separate occasions in 2023 and 2024, but did not eventually travel to Singapore,” the agency said.
The ISD said it believed Al-Saadi had travelled elsewhere in Southeast Asia during that period.
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