The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday it was working with Syrian authorities to confirm allegations that three Malaysians had been involved in militant activities in Syria.
“As reported in the media, one of them was allegedly killed and two others injured.
“The ministry is in the midst of identifying the claims with the authorities concerned,” the ministry said in a statement, as reported by Bernama.
Allegations arose that three Malaysians, fighting in Syria alongside Islamist militants opposing the rule of president Bashar al-Assad, were attacked by Syrian military tanks, resulting in the death of one Malaysian, while the other two were injured.
This latest incident, which took place on Tuesday morning in Hama province, allegedly involved Malaysians Mat Soh or Abu Turab, who was reported killed in the fighting, and Mohd Rafi Udin, 48, and Zainuri Kamarudin, 47, who were injured.
Reports of Malaysians joining regional and Middle Eastern Islamist militant organisations have been on the rise, and there are anecdotal accounts of locals travelling to territories controlled by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). In May, a Malaysian is believed to have carried out a suicide bombing attack in Iraq, making it the first time a Malaysian had committed such an act of terror anywhere.
The Foreign Ministry stressed in a statement that as a peace-loving country that practised moderation, Malaysia did not condone any act of terrorism or extremism by any party, including its own nationals.
“Malaysians are advised to exercise vigilance and not be influenced by any form of violence and extremist elements,” the statement said.
See Also:
Malaysians have been joining ISIS militants in Iraq
Wisma Putra: 15 Malaysian militants believed killed in Syria
Police manhunt for five local militants with ties to ISIL
UM lecturer wanted for terrorism openly preached for holy war and martyrdom
Did Hamas operatives train for an attack on Israel in Malaysia?
Home Ministry denies Hamas operatives trained in Malaysia
Islamist militants are planning terror attacks in Southeast Asia
