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Last updated : 1 year ago

Police press briefing on garage fire and counter-terror op

Summary

This is the live coverage of the press conference being held by Maldives Police Service regarding the devastating fire at M. Nirufehi and the recently initiated joint counter-terrorism operation with Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF). 

The press will be briefed by;

  • Head of Central Policing Command, Assistant Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau 
  • Head of Death and Homicide Investigation Unit, Inspector of Police Mohamed Samih 
  • Head of Terrorism and Violent Extremism Unit, Inspector of Police Uswath Ahmed 

 

16:52

Investigative findings establish the fire started in the garage.

Inspector of Police Mohamed Samih, Head of Homicide Investigation

16:49

They were planning to carry out a mass casualty terror attack using explosives in Maldives.

Uswath Ahmed, Inspector of Police

16:47

Police urges public to report information regarding terror threats.

16:28

Police found evidence in searches of properties.

Uswath Ahmed, Inspector of Police

16:28

All 14 suspects arrested in the counter-terror operation are from Addu. Nine of them have prior arrest records for terrorism.

Uswath Ahmed, Inspector of Police

16:28

In the counter-terror op launched in response to the intel, the police 10 Maldivian males from Addu and searched 11 properties. The police also arrested two more Maldivian males from Male’ City and searched four properties, and arrested two more Maldivian males from K. Guraidhoo.

16:28

Police state they have received intel of a plot by IS-sympathizers in Addu City to carry out an act of terrorism in Maldives.

16:24

Bodies of three Indians sent to India, to be handed over to their families. 

16:21

A fire at the garage based at M. Nirufehi was reported to the Police on May 5, 2022. 

16:10

Investigations show that the garage at M. Nirufehi was in operation in violations of the respective regulations.

Head of Death and Homicide Investigation Unit, Inspector of Police Mohamed Samih

16:08

Investigations so far show that the owner of the garage at M. Nirufehi had a business registered under the name ASM garage, to which operation has been permitted at Hulhumale'.

Head of Death and Homicide Investigation Unit, Inspector of Police Mohamed Samih

16:02

One passed away whilst being treated. An additional person is still being treated at IGMH.

Head of Death and Homicide Investigation Unit, Inspector of Police Mohamed Samih

16:00

26 people were residing in M. Nirufehi at the onset of the fire. Many managed to get out from the building at that time.

Head of Death and Homicide Investigation Unit, Inspector of Police Mohamed Samih