Indonesian police (Source: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) - Indonesian authorities havetightened security in some areas bordering the Philippines and at the Philippinediplomatic mission in Jakarta following Manila's declaration that its southerncity of Marawi has been liberated from pro-Islamic State militants.
Indonesia's National Police Chief General TitoKarnavian told a press conference on October 19 that the deaths of IsnilonHapilon and Omarkhayam Maute, as well as the liberation of Syria's northern cityof Raqqa from Islamic State militants by US-backed Syrian forces have taken atoll on the IS terrorist network.
Karnavian warned, however, that the militants who havenot been killed may still try to escape, with as many as 100 militants still atlarge in the southern Philippines. He added that some Indonesians are among thejihadists in Syria and Marawi.
The officer stressed the need to stay alert and worktogether with intelligence counterparts, either those who have intelligenceassets in Syria or in the Philippines to detect whether they are still there orhave returned to Indonesia.
To anticipate their return by sea, he said, militarysoldiers and police have been deployed to border areas.
Karnavian also said that the Indonesian police havealso been trying to determine the reaction of terrorist networks in Indonesiato the liberation of Marawi and whether they will respond by deploying theirmembers to Marawi or retaliate, as happened in 2000 when two people were killedand dozens of others injured, including the ambassador and his driver.
Indonesia has also tightened security at thePhilippine mission in Jakarta both at the embassy and the ambassador'sresidence for the past three months.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte declared Marawi’sliberation on October 17 after 148 days of fighting Islamic rebelling militantsin the country.-VNA
VNA
