MHA Statement on ISIS video featuring alleged Singaporean fighter "Abu Uqayl"

1. A video has been released by the terrorist group ISIS featuring one of its members identifying himself as "Abu Uqayl" from Singapore. Our security agencies have been aware for some time now of the presence in Syria of a Singaporean, Megat Shahdan bin Abdul Samad (aged 39), and have been monitoring his activities. It is believed that the person in the video calling himself "Abu Uqayl" is Shahdan.

2. Shahdan left Singapore in 2014 to work in the Middle East, where he was believed to have been radicalised. He subsequently made his way to Syria to join ISIS' ranks. He is believed to still be with ISIS in Syria.

3. MHA had previously shared Shahdan's case confidentially with our community leaders. Anyone who is in contact with him or knows of anyone in touch with him should report it to the authorities. The Government takes a very serious view of anyone who supports, promotes, undertakes or make preparations to undertake armed violence, regardless of how they rationalise such violence, or where the violence takes place.