Indonesian police have revealed that the suspect in the deadly mosque bombing was inspired by past mass killings and extremist attacks, shedding light on the ideology behind the assault that stunned the country earlier this week. Authorities said the suspect, who was apprehended shortly after the explosion, had been radicalized online and was following the footsteps of attackers involved in previous mass killings.
The explosion occurred during Friday prayers at a mosque in South Sulawesi, killing several worshippers and injuring dozens more. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as smoke filled the prayer hall and panicked worshippers rushed to safety. Emergency crews responded quickly, and the injured were transported to nearby hospitals.
Police officials confirmed that preliminary investigations show the suspect acted alone but was heavily influenced by extremist propaganda and videos of past terrorist acts. Investigators are now combing through digital evidence to trace communications, funding sources, and possible accomplices.
Indonesia’s National Counterterrorism Agency said the attack underscores the persistent threat of “lone-wolf” radicalization, especially among individuals exposed to online extremist material. President Joko Widodo condemned the bombing, calling it a cowardly act of terror and vowing that those responsible will face justice.
Authorities have heightened security across major cities and places of worship nationwide. Investigators are coordinating with intelligence agencies to prevent potential follow-up attacks and to dismantle the networks spreading radical content online.
The bombing marks one of Indonesia’s deadliest attacks in recent years, reviving memories of past terror incidents that targeted churches, mosques, and public gatherings. Officials say the motive was rooted in revenge and an extremist interpretation of religion, motivated by admiration for perpetrators of past mass violence.
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