Suicide bombers attacked a bus station in Jakarta, resulting in the death of 3 police officers
The bus station bomber attack also injured six other officers and five residents of Jakarta, Indonesia. During investigations, nails, aluminium, buckshot and rice cookers receipts were found at the suicide bombing scene.
Even though it is not clear who is behind the bomber attack, authorities strongly suspect that ISIS had something to do with it. That’s mainly because, in the past, ISIS has taken responsibility for similar terror attack in the Southeast Asian nation.
“The Islamic State remains the main driver of attacks in Indonesia, and the threat posed by militants linked to the group is likely to escalate in the country. People who have traveled to join the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (will) begin to return back to their home countries. Experienced returning militants will be able to provide combat training.” Otso Iho, senior analyst at Jane’s Terrorism and Insurgency Center, said
The interesting fact is that the bomber attack came two days before the start of Ramadan. Furthermore, many of the people who were caught up in the suicide bombers attack had been involved in a torch parade that celebrated the start of the Islamic holy month.
Chief of staff to Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Teten Masduki, paid a visit to the victims of the bomber attack at the Premier Hospital in order to give his sincere condolences.
“President Widodo condemns this vile attack and asks hospitals to give the best service for the injured,” he said.
Jakarta is not experiencing this type of attack for the first time. Last year, ISIS mentioned that it carried out a suicide bombing and shooting attack right next to a Starbucks in Jakarta. Two people were kkilled in the attack, and other 24 were severely wounded.
Indonesia is one of the largest Muslim country. In the past few years, it has been fighting against such attacks and ISIS’ attempt to recruit members from withing the country.
Given the current situation, teachers all over the country have started instructing students on how to avoid the extremist ideology.
As expected, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, as well as many others, mentioned that they were “disgusted” by the Jakarta bomber attack.
“Malaysians stand with the Indonesian people at this time. Terrorism has no borders, knows no race or creed,” he said.
