3 India terror plotters operating from Malaysia named; 4 Filipino communist insurgents killed
Hunt on for three pro-IS terrorists in Philippines and more news in this latest weekly Asean Conflict Watch summary (17-23 Nov. 2025).
Last week, Asean’s security and diplomatic landscape was marked by tense border incidents, insurgency developments, and maritime challenges. Thailand and Cambodia continued to grapple with border disputes, testing Asean’s capacity for mediation. In the Philippines, both communist and Islamist insurgencies remained active while the country navigated South China Sea tensions amid its upcoming Asean chairmanship. Myanmar’s conflict dynamics remained volatile, with military and ethnic armed clashes affecting both domestic stability and cross-border relations. Indonesia and Malaysia saw continued counterterrorism operations and security measures, while Singapore highlighteded rising risks of AI-driven radicalisation among youth. Regional concerns, particularly in the South China Sea, were being amplified by China–US interactions and Asean’s role in maritime governance.
THAILAND-CAMBODIA BORDER CONFLICT
Thailand and Cambodia’s border tensions escalated last week. Thai authorities accused Cambodia of dishonouring fallen soldiers, while both sides completed temporary boundary marker placements. Asean observers suspended ceasefire verification following a Thai-side explosion, and Thai military briefed foreign attachés on ceasefire breaches. The situation remained a significant challenge for the Philippines as it assumed the Asean chair.
THAILAND
In the south, Thailand aimed to revive peace talks with the appointment of a new Fourth Army chief, signalling government optimism for renewed dialogue amid ongoing militant activity.
PHILIPPINES
Security challenges persisted with communist insurgent activity and Islamist militant operations. Four NPA members were killed and anti-DI-Maute operations continued in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur. Multiple rebel-initiated killings drew condemnation, and several NPA anti-personnel mines were discovered.
Peacebuilding efforts advanced with clan disputes resolved in Maguindanao del Sur, Basilan clans uniting, and MILF ex-combatants receiving housing support outside BARMM. The Bangsamoro accord was highlighted at an international peace forum, with Australia contributing funds for peacebuilding. Political and military authorities continued anti-insurgency and counterterrorism operations, including arrests of suspected terrorists and meth seizures.
Maritime tensions escalated with repeated sightings of Chinese vessels near the Philippines, including Panatag and Bajo de Masinloc, prompting Coast Guard surveillance. China’s actions, such as jamming communications during peaceful resupply missions, further strained South China Sea relations. The Philippines was pursuing a code of conduct as part of its upcoming Asean chairmanship. U.S. and Japanese cooperation initiatives in the maritime domain also intensified.
MYANMAR
Myanmar’s security situation remained unstable. Airstrikes occurred along the Thailand border following resistance force gains, with reports linking military attacks to the upcoming 2025-26 elections. The Brotherhood Alliance continued to cede towns to the military, while clashes with ethnic armed groups sent stray shells into Thailand. An analyst highlighted the continuing influence of insurgency and control dynamics on the Rohingya crisis, with the Arakan Army impacting regional security.
INDONESIA
Counterterrorism operations persisted, with Densus 88 uncovering networks recruiting children and arresting suspects, while the BNPT flagged multiple Islamic boarding schools affiliated with terrorist groups. Authorities continued to investigate the Jakarta school mosque bombing case, and former Jemaah Islamiyah members reportedly shifted toward moderate ideologies. Isis-linked groups were also found using online platforms to radicalise children.
MALAYSIA
Malaysia continued to bolster security amid regional tensions. Sabah saw troop reinforcements, and the government pursued a multi-pronged approach to defend sovereignty in the South China Sea. Three India suspected terror plot conspirators operating from Malaysia were named…