Terror groups merge in Philippines
Source: australian networks
An international counter terrorism expert has told a meeting of ASEAN military analysts that the terror groups Jemaah Islamiyah and Abu Sayyaf have merged in the southern Philippines.
Professor Rohan Gunarathna, of the International Center for Political Violence and Terrorism Research in Singapore, says Jemaah Islamiyah - or J.I - and Abu Sayyaf leaders, operate as one organization in the southern Philippine province of Sulu.
Professor Gunarathna told a two-day forum of ASEAN military analysts in Manila that a dozen J.I. operatives from Malaysia and Indonesia are planning terror attacks with the Abu Sayyaf.
He says the Abu Sayyaf has been able to carry out bomb attacks because of training and support given by the J.I.
The forum held in Manila allowed ASEAN intelligence analysts to share best practices and tools to combat terrorism.
Travel warning
The Australian Government has warned Australians travelling to Saudi Arabia and the Philippines of a very high threat of terrorist attack.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is asking Australians to reconsider any travel plans to the Saudi Arabia, saying terrorists may be planning an attack on oil infrastructure.
The Department says international terrorist organisations are calling for attacks against Westerners on the Arabian Peninsula.
It also says there have been recent protests in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, and that such action is illegal under Saudi law.
"We continue to receive reports that terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners," DFAT's Smart Traveller website says.
DFAT says the advice has been reviewed and reissued but the overall level of the advice has not changed.
Philippines
Meanwhile, The Department of Foreign Affairs has also updated its travel advisory for the Philippines, raising concerns about terrorism, kidnapping and crime.
The Department says it continues to receive credible reports that terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets in a variety of locations frequented by foreigners.
It says violent crime is also a significant problem and there's a danger of kidnapping throughout the Philippines, particularly in southern parts.
Travellers are being urged to exercise a high degree of caution.
Professor Rohan Gunarathna, of the International Center for Political Violence and Terrorism Research in Singapore, says Jemaah Islamiyah - or J.I - and Abu Sayyaf leaders, operate as one organization in the southern Philippine province of Sulu.
Professor Gunarathna told a two-day forum of ASEAN military analysts in Manila that a dozen J.I. operatives from Malaysia and Indonesia are planning terror attacks with the Abu Sayyaf.
He says the Abu Sayyaf has been able to carry out bomb attacks because of training and support given by the J.I.
The forum held in Manila allowed ASEAN intelligence analysts to share best practices and tools to combat terrorism.
Travel warning
The Australian Government has warned Australians travelling to Saudi Arabia and the Philippines of a very high threat of terrorist attack.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is asking Australians to reconsider any travel plans to the Saudi Arabia, saying terrorists may be planning an attack on oil infrastructure.
The Department says international terrorist organisations are calling for attacks against Westerners on the Arabian Peninsula.
It also says there have been recent protests in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, and that such action is illegal under Saudi law.
"We continue to receive reports that terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners," DFAT's Smart Traveller website says.
DFAT says the advice has been reviewed and reissued but the overall level of the advice has not changed.
Philippines
Meanwhile, The Department of Foreign Affairs has also updated its travel advisory for the Philippines, raising concerns about terrorism, kidnapping and crime.
The Department says it continues to receive credible reports that terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets in a variety of locations frequented by foreigners.
It says violent crime is also a significant problem and there's a danger of kidnapping throughout the Philippines, particularly in southern parts.
Travellers are being urged to exercise a high degree of caution.
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