KUALA LUMPUR: Two men, who were arrested hours before the 29th SEA Games closing ceremony in August, have claimed trial to charges of having ties with the Abu Sayyaf terror group. Hajar was accused of committing the offence at ZA 2-14 Lorong Pangsa Baiduri 2, Taman Desa Baiduri, Cheras between 2010 and Aug 30, 2017. Both men lived in the same flat in Taman Desa Baiduri. It was reported Hajar was among eight suspected Abu Sayyaf militants – Malaysians and Filipinos – who were arrested in an operation in Cheras on the eve of National Day on Aug 30 which was also the closing ceremony of the Games. Hajar was believed to be a member of the Jolo-based Lucky 9 kidnap-for-ransom group with links to the Abu Sayyaf based in jungles of Jolo and Basilan islands in the Philippines.

Source: The Star December 11, 2017 06:57 UTC