Number of Maldivians who traveled abroad as militants increases to 61

Number of Maldivians who traveled abroad to join fighting in foreign countries has increased to 61 people, says National Counter-Terrorism Center (NCTC).

NCTC had said in 2017 that the number stood at 49 people.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Coastguard Building this Monday, Minister of Defense, Adam Shareef Umar said 61 Maldives have travelled abroad as militants so far, while 68 people have been intercepted by the authorities attempting to travel abroad to join fighting in foreign countries.

The minister did not disclose where the Maldivian militants travelled to, except for Syria.

He said the people who travelled abroad to join militant groups included women, as well as nine children.

“The nine children were taken with families. We intercepted 12 of the people from Turkey. 13 people were intercepted from some other countries. And 21 people were intercepted attempting to travel out of Male’,” said Minister Adam Shareef.

The minister said authorities were investigating the cases of those intercepted from abroad as well as Male’. He said authorities have so far completed investigation into seven cases.

The cases of the women and children are being investigated same as any other case, said Minister Adam Shareef.

The minister said authorities were facing difficulties in proving charges as those who joined militant groups in Syria did not travel directly to Syria, but transited in other countries before crossing the border into Syria.

The minister, during the press conference, warned to be on the lookout for those who promote extremist propaganda via social media websites.

Minister Adam Shareef noted that no terrorist attack has taken place in Maldives since the bombing in Sultan Park in Male’ City in 2007. He said there has been no noticeable increase in extremism in the country.