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KUALA LUMPUR – The security advisory issued by Japan on potential attacks in Southeast Asia is most likely the result of the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan that has led to a volatile situation among terror groups in the region.

Counterterrorism experts warned Putrajaya not to brush off potential threats to Malaysia, which has been identified by Japan as among the nations at risk.

Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies security studies Prof Rohan Gunaratna said the return of the Taliban to helm war-torn Afghanistan has galvanised militant groups al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.

The analyst, who specialises in international terrorism, said it is vital that governments in the region nip the problem in the bud, before potential strikes take place.

Speaking to The Vibes, he said the Taliban’s swift return to power last month was celebrated by nearly 40 al-Qaeda-centric extremist groups globally.

The renewed alliance between the Taliban and al-Qaeda has created a highly charged environment as they compete with IS to conduct strikes, he said.

“Terrorist groups in Southeast Asia with ideological and operational links to al-Qaeda and IS pose a threat to the region’s governments and communities.

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