Maldives Police Service (MPS) has arrested a local man suspected of taking part in terrorist activities in Syria.
Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed revealed in a tweet that a 34-year old Maldivian male who arrived in the Maldives was arrested on October 15. The commissioner said the man is suspected of taking part in terrorist activities in Syria and appears on the potential list of Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTF). He noted an investigation is now underway.
There have been several reports of Maldivians fleeing the country to take part in terrorist activities abroad. Several Maldivians have been reported dead amid terrorist activities in Syria.
The administration is undertaking several efforts to counter terrorism and prevent violent religious extremism. In this regard, a rehabilitation centre is set to be established in Himmafushi, Kaafu Atoll to rehabilitate locals who return to the Maldives after taking part in terrorist activities.
Bringing back locals trapped in civil wars abroad is a pledge of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.