The Singapore Internal Security Department (ISD) issued Internal Security Act (ISA) orders to two individuals on June 24 following their radicalisation by ideologies linked to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A 19-year-old student received a restriction order for his involvement in violent extremist groups, while a 30-year-old customer service officer was issued a detention order after expressing a willingness to carry out attacks for Hamas.
Case details and security concerns
Cyrus Dzulqarnain Al-Shahriar, 19, was issued a restriction order after being identified as a participant in multiple extremist sub-cultures. According to the ISD, he initially explored online religious groups in 2022 before moving toward anti-Western and anti-LGBTQ content. Following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks against Israel, he adopted pro-Hamas narratives and later joined a group focused on “violent accelerationist” thinking. In late 2025, he pledged allegiance to this group by posting photos of an extremist publication with Marina Bay Sands in the background.
The ISD also reported that Cyrus engaged with “incel” sub-culture content, specifically referencing the 2014 attacks by Elliot Rodger. While Cyrus made online threats and incited violence, the ISD stated these actions remained at the level of ideation and did not progress to physical preparation. He is now undergoing a rehabilitation program to address his beliefs.
Cyrus Dzulqarnain Al-Shahriar is the second individual in Singapore to be dealt with under the ISA for “Composite Violent Extremism” (CoVE), a term describing the practice of selecting and combining multiple, often conflicting, extremist ideologies to justify violence.
The detention of Tarmizi Mohd Taha
Tarmizi Mohd Taha, a 30-year-old customer service officer, was issued a detention order after he expressed a clear intent to support Hamas through violence. According to the ISD, Tarmizi viewed Hamas as defenders of Palestinians and sought to leverage his previous experience as a logistics assistant during his national service in the Singapore Police Force to aid the group. He admitted he was prepared to carry out attacks in Singapore if instructed by Hamas.
Despite his intent, Tarmizi did not carry out his plans due to a lack of financial resources. The ISD assessed his potential for violence as an imminent security threat, necessitating his detention under the ISA. He is the eighth Singaporean to be dealt with under the ISA due to radicalisation triggered by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The shift toward “salad bar” or composite extremism presents a unique challenge for security agencies. Unlike traditional, singular ideological movements, these hybrid belief systems are harder to track because they lack a coherent structure. As the ISD notes, the danger lies not in the consistency of the ideology, but in the individual’s willingness to use violence to achieve their specific, often fragmented, goals.
What happens next for those under ISA orders
Individuals issued restriction orders or detention orders under the ISA are subject to rehabilitation regimes designed to address their radical beliefs. The duration and intensity of these measures depend on the individual’s progress and the level of threat they pose to national security, according to the ISD.
Historical precedents show that rehabilitation can lead to the successful reintegration of individuals. For example, Radjev Lal Madan Lal, 33, was released from detention onto a restriction order in April 2026 after showing progress in his rehabilitation. Similarly, the restriction orders for three other individuals—Abd Rahim Abdul Rahman, Mohamed Faishal Mohd Razali, and Husaini Ismail—were allowed to lapse in 2026 following their completion of rehabilitation requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Composite Violent Extremism (CoVE)?
CoVE, also known as a “salad bar” of ideologies, occurs when individuals selectively draw from multiple, sometimes conflicting, extremist beliefs to construct a personal worldview that justifies violence.
Why was Cyrus Dzulqarnain Al-Shahriar issued a restriction order?
He was issued the order for his support of terrorist groups, his participation in online extremist chats, his pledge of allegiance to an accelerationist group, and his online posts inciting violence against others.
How can the public report suspected radicalisation?
The ISD advises anyone who knows or suspects that an individual has been radicalised to contact the ISD hotline at 1800-2626-473.
Have you observed how the rapid spread of online narratives can influence the radicalisation of youth in your community?
