Singapore ‘must keep pace with terrorists’ changing tactics’
People, many of whom are French, hold up their lit phones as they take part in a vigil in solidarity with France after the deadly attacks in Paris, in Trafalgar Square, London, Nov 14, 2015. Photo: AP
SINGAPORE — As the nature of terror threats evolve, police capabilities here will also have to adapt and be nimble in dealing with these new challenges, terrorism experts said.
One pointed out that the Al-Qaeda style of attacking, for example, typically means making a big spectacle through massive bombings, and counter-terrorism teams have been trained to deal with that. However, the pattern is changing.
“Terrorists today use what we call the ‘urban swarming tactic’, where it could be just two guys shooting their targets and quickly moving from place to place. As the threats evolve, our security forces need to keep up as well,” Associate Professor Kumar Ramakrishna of the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies said.
Associate Professor Antonio Rappa, head of the management and security studies programme at SIM University, said security threats have changed to include those who possess advanced technologies or members with ground knowledge. They are a “sophisticated and highly dangerous enemy”, he said, adding that there is a need to “remain ahead of dangerous curves”.
Stepping up police capabilities will also send out a public message that Singapore is geared up to deal with these attacks. Ms Susan Sim, vice-president for Asia at intelligence firm The Soufan Group, said: “It is both deterrence and reassurance; warning terrorists that Singapore is ready to deal with them, and reassuring our people while sensitising them to the nature of the threat.”
The Home Team in Singapore may be the first line of response for domestic attacks, but Associate Professor Kumar added that there could be some pre-arrangements worked out on how and when the military should step in when the need arises.
Under the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Act, the President may call on SAF officers to respond in emergency situations. Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam yesterday mentioned the SAF and the Singapore Police Force will be working more together on terrorism threats, although he did not go into detail.
