Maldives Police Service (MPS) has revealed 14 individuals have been arrested for attempting to carry out a terrorist attack in collaboration with the IS terrorist group.
MPS conducted an anti-terrorism operation in Male' City, Addu city, and Guraidhoo in Kaafu Atoll. Speaking at a press conference held to inform the public regarding the operation, the Head of the Terrorism and Violent Extremism Investigation Unit Inspector of Police Uswath Ahmed said the arrested individuals were linked to the IS terrorist group. Noting all arrests were of Addu citizens, she said 10 individuals were arrested from Addu while 11 houses were searched. Meanwhile, two people were arrested and four houses were searched in Male' and two people were arrested in Guraidhoo. She added all of them were Maldivian men.
Furthermore, Uswath said nine of 14 individuals had records of terrorism, noting their remand has been extended. She said the investigation has revealed these individuals were planning to use explosives to cause harm to as many people and the operation was conducted to thwart the attack.