IS threatens to kill head of Malaysian anti-terror police

Malaysian counter-terrorism police chief Ayob Khan has received a death threat from Muhamad Wanndy Mohamad Jedi, a Malaysian extremist fighting for the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria.

Malaysian soldiers participate in a joint anti-terrorism exercise between the army and police in Kuala Lumpur on February 22. (Source: AFP/TTXVN)

According to Mr. Ayob, the reason he received the threatening call was because of his involvement in the fight against terrorism and the arrest of Wanndy's brother in May.

He is among a number of top Malaysian police leaders, including Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar, on the IS hit list.

According to Mr Ayob, IS has considered some Malaysian leaders as thagut (those who have crossed the boundaries of religion) and included them in its list of key targets.

Police officials, especially those in the counter-terrorism department, are also considered prime targets for IS attacks due to their support for thagut leaders.

However, Mr. Ayob said he was not afraid of the threat and would continue the fight against terrorism in Malaysia.

“We have deployed and positioned forces at nine possible attack points. This work will continue without fear of any terrorist group,” Mr. Ayob said.

According to Mr. Ayob, so far, Malaysian anti-terrorism police have arrested 213 people on suspicion of being involved in terrorist groups, including 17 foreigners./.

According to Vietnam+