(Based Underground)—Indonesian authorities have thwarted a terror plot aimed at none other than Pope Francis during his recent visit to Indonesia. This alarming incident raises serious questions about the state of global security and the ever-looming threat of ISIS-inspired extremism. As the Pope embarks on a 12-day tour of the Asia Pacific, one can’t help but wonder: how many more plots are lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike?
Now, after seemingly rushing to condemn the actions of these would-be terrorists, the Indonesian police have arrested seven suspects, all believed to be linked to ISIS. The arrests, which took place on September 2 and 3, were prompted by vigilant citizens who alerted authorities to the brewing danger. What does this say about the current climate of fear and unrest?
The suspects were apprehended after police raided one of their homes, uncovering a cache of weapons including bow and arrows, a drone, and ISIS propaganda materials. It appears that the alleged militants were incensed by the Pope’s visit to a Jakarta mosque, leading to their desperate and misguided actions. In a move that reeks of political correctness, Indonesian TV stations were reportedly instructed not to air the Islamic call to prayer during the Pope’s visit, further inflaming the anger of these radical individuals.
A spokesman for Indonesia’s counter-terrorism unit, “Densus 88,” provided insight into the situation, stating, “We have a mechanism to monitor and filter. We had tip-off information from members of the public.”
Colonel Aswin Siregar continued, “Densus 88 has taken legal action against seven individuals … who made threats in the form of propaganda or terror threats via social media in response to the Pope’s arrival. There was also a threat to set fire to the locations.”
In a statement, the Pope remarked, “There are times when faith can be manipulated to foment divisions and increase hatred. Prejudices can be eliminated, and a climate of mutual respect and trust can grow.”
The threat of ISIS is not confined to Indonesia. Michael Morell, former CIA chief, has issued a stark warning about the potential resurgence of terrorism beyond the U.S., saying, “The threat to Europe and to your readers is even higher than it is in the US, even higher than what we say it is for the US. They’ve already tried it in Western Europe. They’ve already done it in Russia.”