Maj. Gen. Pham Ngoc Viet, Director of the Ministry of Public Security’s Homeland Security Department, at the UN high-level conference. (Source: Ministry of Public Security)He released the information while delivering an important speechat the high-levelconference of heads of counter-terrorism agencies held by the United Nations in New Yorkfrom June 19 to 22, according to the Ministry of Public Security.
The official stated that Vietnam resolutely condemns and fightsterrorist acts conducted in any form and supports counter-terrorism measures takenby countries and international organisations in line with the UN Charter andinternational law.
In Vietnam, there haven’t been any terrorist attacks byinternational individuals or terrorist organisations, neither has the countrydetected activities of their affiliates, he noted.
However, it has identified certain external terrorism risks thatmay harm its national security, Viet said, elaborating that there are several objects oftentargeted by terrorists such as offices of foreign diplomatic agencies. Risks alsocome from the flows of militants of the self-proclaimed Islamic State from theMiddle East to Southeast Asia. Terrorist and violent extremism groups are takingadvantage of technology and social networks to spread extremism around theworld, and Vietnam is highly vulnerable as it is among countries with largenumbers of internet users.
Besides, exiled reactionary Vietnamese organisations and extremists based insome countries have taken advantage of ethnic and religious affairs, set upbases and affiliates, provided training for some persons in Vietnam, and sent theirmembers to enter Vietnam to direct the implementation of terrorist acts in thecountry. These organisations have used the territories of Southeast Asian countriesto open disguised offices, recruit and train members, and use the internet andsocial networks to incite and guide bad elements in Vietnam to make terroristattacks on law enforcement forces and civilians, according to the official.
On June 11, two groups of persons armed with guns and self-madeweapons attacked the headquarters of two communal administrations and civiliansin Dak Lak province, killing nine, injuring two, and taking three hostages.
“We have arrested 65 suspects, including a member of a US-based organisationwho received orders from this organisation to intrude into Vietnam and stage theattacks,” Viet revealed.
Those attacks were organised terrorist acts that were barbarous andinhumane, he went on, stressing that Vietnam strongly condemns the individuals andorganisations who have harboured, backed, or directed the acts, as well as thepersons directly involved in the incident.
Vietnam calls on countries and relevant internationalorganisations to assist and cooperate closely with Vietnam in the investigationof the incident and the fight against similar acts, he went on.
“The combat against terrorism requires common efforts of the internationalcommunity. Only through solidarity, cooperation, and responsibility sharing, can we effectively deal with this global threat and promote peace and security of eachcountry and the world,” Viet emphasised./.
VNA
