News

Security strengthened at Velana International Airport following tip-off

Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has stated security has been strengthened at Velana International Airport after a tip-off.

MNDF stated security has been strengthened at the airport since May 14 after they received intelligence-based information. MNDF did not reveal any details on the matter.

The government has strengthened security across the Maldives since the terrorist attack on Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed, with armed military officers becoming more active in the Greater Male' Region and the atolls.

On May 6, Speaker Nasheed was severely injured after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was triggered near his residence. Nasheed underwent a 16-hour operation at ADK Hospital after the attack, and is now in Germany for further treatment. Three suspects have been arrested so far, including the individual that allegedly detonated the IED, and the owner of the motorcycle to which the IED was attached.

Furthermore, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has instructed the attorney general to amend the existing laws to strengthen the security and protection provided to the speaker of parliament and the chief justice, including the designation of their official residences. President Solih also ordered an intelligence audit on the Maldives Police Service (MPS) and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) to determine how intelligence officials failed to uncover the terrorist plot, and to make the necessary changes to improve the security services to prevent such an incident.