Minister of Defence and National Security Adam Shareef Umar has stated that the recent intensification of security of Velana International Airport is due to the increase in the terrorist activities targeted to airports around the world.
Velana International Airport has tightened security by stationing armed MNDF officials for the protection of the passengers travelling from the airport. Defence Minister Adam Shareef Umar has also inspected these new arrangements in the presence of aviation authorities.
In an exlusive interview with PSM News, Defence Minister Adam Shareef Umar stated that the change in security of the national airport is due to the increase of terrorist activities targeted to airports in the recent times. The Minister further stated that the current government has taken and would further take concrete measures to ensure the safety of the users of the airport.
The Defence Minister further highlighted that Maldives is one of the favorite tourist destination thus has a large number of tourist arrival annually and Velana International Airport being the main gateway for their arrival, the security measures at the airport is being observed very closely. Minister Adam Shareef said that President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Gayoom follows a principle of zero tolerance against terrorism trails and the current government has been vocal about being against terrorism and extremism.
He further highlighted the importance of staying on par with international measures on terrorism.
Under the efforts of fighting against terrorism, the administration of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has ratified the Anti-Terrorism Act in 2015, and the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Act in 2014. President Yameen has also issued the State Policy on Terrorism and Violent Extremism, which led to the establishment of the National Counter Terrorism Centre in 2016, which is mandated to coordinate inter-agency efforts required to effectively counter terrorist acts.
The Defence Minister further highlighted that under the efforts of countering terrorism the Maldivian National Defence Force has been closely coordinating with international bodies.