Recent ISA Actions Highlight Ongoing Security Concerns in Singapore
Singapore's Internal Security Department (ISD) announced on 24 June 2026 that two self-radicalised Singaporean men had been issued orders under the Internal Security Act (ISA). The cases involve a 30-year-old customer service officer and a 19-year-old student, both of whose radicalisation was triggered by the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict following the 7 October 2023 attacks by Hamas against Israel. These represent the seventh and eighth such instances since the conflict re-escalated.
Understanding the Internal Security Act and Its Role in National Security
The Internal Security Act, enacted in 1960, is a key piece of legislation that empowers the government to take preventive measures against threats to internal security, including subversion, organised violence, and activities that could endanger public order. It allows for detention without trial in specific circumstances where individuals are assessed to pose a security threat. The Act has been used over the decades to address various forms of extremism, from communist subversion in earlier years to contemporary terrorism-related risks. In practice, ISD investigates cases thoroughly before recommending orders to the Minister for Home Affairs, with provisions for regular reviews by an advisory board. This framework balances individual rights with the need to maintain Singapore's stability in a multi-racial and multi-religious society.
Profile and Radicalisation of Tarmizi bin Mohd Taha
Tarmizi bin Mohd Taha, a 30-year-old customer service officer, received an Order of Detention (OD) under the ISA. His journey into extremism began after the October 2023 Hamas attacks, when he actively sought information online about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He joined social media channels promoting Hamas narratives and frequently rewatched propaganda materials. By early 2024, Tarmizi viewed Hamas as legitimate defenders of Palestinians and justified armed violence against those he perceived as oppressors, including Zionists, Jews, and non-Muslims. He posted pro-Hamas content regularly to build support.
His intentions escalated when he connected with an online foreign contact claiming to be a Hamas member. Discussions about operations in Gaza led to offers of assistance for travel to Palestinian territories to join the group. Although financial constraints delayed action, a video of a Palestinian casualty in August 2025 reignited his resolve. Tarmizi renewed contact, researched travel routes, and planned to pledge allegiance (bai'ah) in person. He expressed willingness to engage in armed combat against Israel or even conduct attacks in Singapore if directed by Hamas, intending to leverage skills from his National Service in the Singapore Police Force. ISD assessed these plans and his communications as posing an imminent threat, leading to his detention.
Profile and Radicalisation of Cyrus Dzulqarnain Al-Shahriar
Cyrus Dzulqarnain Al-Shahriar, a 19-year-old student, was issued a Restriction Order (RO). His exposure to extremist ideas started earlier, in 2022, through online religious discussion groups that introduced anti-Western and anti-LGBTQ content. He began posting material inciting violence against the LGBTQ community. The October 2023 events amplified his support for Hamas, which he saw as engaging in jihad, including the killing of civilians. He considered travelling to Gaza to fight but lacked resources and feared physical confrontation.
In mid-2024, Cyrus encountered a niche online Islamist extremist group promoting violent accelerationism, aiming to create chaos to establish Islam as the dominant global civilisation. The group viewed first-world nations like Singapore as extensions of the United States under Zionist control. Invited to a private chat group in early 2025, he intensified support for Hamas and Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), glorifying past attacks such as 9/11 and the 2002 Bali bombings. At the group's request, he photographed an e-publication with Marina Bay Sands in the background on two occasions at the Esplanade and posted them publicly in November 2025 as a form of bai'ah. He engaged in "digital jihad" by harassing perceived anti-Islam users online and spreading fake news.
Additionally, Cyrus adopted violent incel ideologies after discovering content about school shooter Elliot Rodger. He identified as an incel, posted threats against women using derogatory terms, and fantasised about violence targeting LGBTQ individuals and couples in school settings. These ideations remained at the planning stage without action or sharing with family or peers. A public report of his anti-Semitic and pro-Hamas posts prompted ISD intervention, resulting in the RO for monitoring and rehabilitation.
The Influence of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict on Domestic Radicalisation
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly after the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks and subsequent developments in Gaza, has served as a significant catalyst for self-radicalisation among some Singaporeans. Online platforms facilitate rapid exposure to propaganda from various sides, blending grievances with extremist interpretations. Both individuals in these cases aspired to join Hamas overseas, illustrating how distant events can fuel personal commitments to violence. ISD has noted that while many Singaporeans express legitimate humanitarian concerns, extremist narratives exploit these emotions to promote support for armed groups. This marks a continued trend, with these two cases bringing the total linked to the conflict to eight since late 2023.
Composite Violent Extremism and the 'Salad Bar' Phenomenon
Cyrus's case exemplifies Composite Violent Extremism (CoVE), often described as a 'salad bar' approach where individuals selectively combine elements from multiple, sometimes contradictory, extremist ideologies. This includes Islamist accelerationism, support for groups like Hamas and HTS, incel resentment, and anti-Western sentiments. The hybrid belief system lacks a single coherent ideology yet justifies violence across targets. ISD has identified this as the second such ISA case, highlighting how digital access enables personalised radical worldviews. The phenomenon poses unique challenges because traditional counter-extremism efforts focused on one ideology may not fully address these blended threats.
Updates on Previous ISA Cases and Rehabilitation Efforts
Alongside the new orders, ISD provided updates on earlier cases. In April 2026, Radjev Lal s/o Madan Lal, detained in 2022 for preparations to join overseas conflicts, was released on a Restriction Order after demonstrating rehabilitation progress. Three other Restriction Orders lapsed in 2026 for individuals who had made sufficient strides in deradicalisation programmes, including former Jemaah Islamiyah members and another self-radicalised person. These outcomes underscore the emphasis on rehabilitation alongside preventive detention, with ongoing monitoring to ensure individuals no longer pose threats.
Public Vigilance and Reporting Mechanisms in Singapore
ISD emphasises that radicalisation can affect anyone, regardless of background, and encourages early reporting. Signs include displaying extremist symbols, frequent visits to radical websites, posting support for violence or terrorist groups on social media, expressing hatred toward other communities, or indicating intent to participate in violent acts. A member of the public reporting Cyrus's posts demonstrates the effectiveness of community awareness. Individuals suspecting radicalisation should contact ISD directly via the hotline 1800-2626-473. This proactive approach helps provide support to at-risk persons while safeguarding society.
Photo by Singapore Stock Photos on Unsplash
Broader Implications for Singapore's Social Cohesion
These cases reinforce the importance of maintaining harmony in Singapore's diverse society. Extremist ideologies that promote division based on religion, ethnicity, or other factors threaten the social fabric built over decades. The rise of online-driven, hybrid extremism requires adaptive strategies from authorities, educators, families, and platforms. While the terrorism threat level remains elevated due to global events, Singapore's robust institutions and public cooperation have prevented major incidents. Continued focus on countering online narratives and supporting rehabilitation will be essential.
Future Outlook and Strengthening Resilience Against Extremism
Looking ahead, ISD continues to monitor evolving threats, including the diversification of extremist ideologies and the persistent influence of overseas conflicts. Enhanced digital literacy, community engagement, and international cooperation on counter-terrorism will play key roles. The public is urged to stay informed through official channels and reject extremist interpretations that exploit real-world events. With sustained vigilance, Singapore aims to mitigate risks while upholding its values of inclusivity and security.
For more details on the official announcement, visit the Internal Security Department website. Additional reporting is available from The Straits Times.