Minister of Defence and National Security Adam Shareef Umar has revealed the administration of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has become successful in diminishing the ideology of Maldives being portrayed as an extremist country in international fora.
Addressing a press briefing held by National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Minister Adam Shareef Umar said the centre established under the Prevention of Terrorism Act has achieved key milestones since its establishment 2 years ago. Minister Adam Shareef Umar noted the centre has been exerting major efforts to identify the root cause of abusive actions and extremism.
Continuing on, the Maldivian Defence Minister cited the administration has been exerting major efforts to tackle acts of terrorism and violent extremism. In this regard, although extremist ideologies are entertained at an individual level, the administration has been successful in reducing the number of locals travelling to take part in civil unrests in foreign countries.
Minister Adam Shareef Umar concluded by advising all Maldivians to support the government in its effort to maintain peace and sovereignty in the country.
62 individuals have been apprehended while attempting to take part in civil unrests in foreign countries, according to NCTC.