The Muslim-majority Southeast Asian nation has been on high alert since gunmen linked to Islamic State launched several attacks in Jakarta, the capital of neighbouring Indonesia, in January 2016. "Preliminary information gleaned from the 10 suspects revealed an attempt by the Abu Sayyaf group to establish a cell in Sabah," Mohamad Fuzi said. Mohamad Fuzi said Abu Sayyaf had intended to bring in IS fighters from Southeast Asia to the southern Philippines for military training. Malaysia has arrested hundreds of people over the past few years for suspected links to militant groups. Islamic State claimed responsibility.

Source: Bangkok Post February 21, 2018 07:52 UTC