7 arrested in counter-terror op in Addu

Seven suspects have been arrested in a counter-terror operation by security forces in Addu City. 

Maldives Police Service confirm they are conducting an operation in collaboration with Maldives National Defense Force in Addu this Saturday, but has yet to disclose details. 

Sun has been informed the operation is a crackdown on terrorism and extremism. 

A police spokesperson confirmed seven people have been taken into custody in the operation. 

Armed MNDF officers have been deployed to locations across Maldives following the targeted terror attack on May 6 which left Parliament Speaker and former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed severely wounded. 

A homemade remote-controlled IED was strapped to motorcycle parked nearby Nasheed’s residence, and was detonated at 08:27 pm on May 6, just as Nasheed, 53, exited his residence and went to get in his car. Nasheed was thrown to the ground and sustained multiple shrapnel wounds, while three members of his security detail and two bystanders sustained minor wounds. 

He was rushed to ADK Hospital, where he underwent multiple lifesaving surgeries. 

The police and MNDF have upped their alert level in response to the attack. And Home Minister Imran Abdulla previously stated that the police and MNDF will take joint measures to strengthen security measures in Maldives. 

Meanwhile, security at Velana International Airport has also been strengthened based on “information” received by the police on Friday.