Wang Yuandongyi, aged 23, was one of the four men dealt with under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for undertaking or intending to undertake violence in overseas armed conflicts.

He had intended to travel to Syria to join a Kurdish militia group that is fighting against the terrorist group Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

En route to Syria via Turkey

He left Singapore in January 2016 for a third country, from where he intended to make his way to Turkey and onward to Syria.

However, he was reported by someone who became aware of his plans. On the request of Singapore, Wang was located by the authorities of the third country and was turned back to Singapore. He was arrested under the ISA and issued with a Restriction Order with effect from March 2016.

Sympathetic towards the Kurds

Investigations showed that Wang first learnt about the Kurds through newsfeeds in November 2015, and subsequently, looked up information online about ISIS’ attacks against the Kurds in Syria.

He began to empathise with the plight of the Kurds and to detest ISIS. At the same time, he was looking to escape from personal setbacks, like his financial liabilities arising from a failed business venture.

In December 2015, Wang initiated online contact with a Kurdish militia group to express his interest to join the group in their fight against ISIS.

At the same time, he communicated with like-minded individuals online about joining the militia group and had discussed with at least two such individuals about possible travel routes to Syria.

When he left Singapore with the intention to fight in Syria, he brought with him some Singapore Armed Forces-issued military gear like his uniform and boots which he planned to use in the battlefield.

The Straits Times learnt that Wang was in debt from a failed business venture.

Singapore government frowns upon all violence

The Government takes a stern view against anyone who supports, promotes, undertakes or makes preparations to undertake armed violence, regardless of how they rationalise such violence ideologically, or where the violence takes place, said a press statement sent to the media by the Ministry of Home Affairs on March 16, 2016.

The press statement also said that in the case of Wang, even though his motivation to join the Kurdish militia group and fight against ISIS in Syria was not ideologically-driven, the fact remains that he intended to engage in an armed conflict overseas.

The press statement also said that geography does not mask the fact that such individuals would have demonstrated a dangerous tendency to support the use of violence and that their involvement in overseas conflicts can also jeopardise Singapore’s national interests, including our bilateral relations.

Those who are deemed to pose a threat to Singapore’s security will be firmly dealt with in accordance with our laws.

Anyone who is aware of a person becoming involved in terrorism-related activities, including planning or taking steps to travel to conflict zones to take part in an armed conflict, or who observes suspicious activities or signs of radicalisation, should promptly inform the Internal Security Department (1800-2626-ISD) or the Police (999).

Related articles:

Differences and similarities between today’s ISA arrests and the ones in January

4 S’poreans dealt with under ISA: 2 fought in Yemen, 1 didn’t fire weapon, 1 wanted to fight ISIS

Totally unrelated article:

8 put-downs teachers have to endure because they believe the job is their personal mission

Top photo via Gramicidin Flickr

If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest updates.