Counter-terrorism operation launched in Male', Maafushi Prisons in relation to May 6 attack

An operation has been launched in Male' and Maafushi Prisons, in relation to the assassination attempt on Speaker and former President Mohamed Nasheed on May 6.

Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) confirmed this via Twitter, adding that it is among the many operations being conducted by the security services in relation to the terror attack.

The operation is being led by the Maldives Police Service (MPS) together with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

While reports of officers attacking prisoners during the operation have been circulating online, police denied this.

Nasheed was the target of a remote controlled bomb in capital Male’ City on May 6. He had just left his house and was about to get into his car when a bomb attached to a motorbike exploded.

While the attack took place in the country's small and congested capital city, there have been questions on how the former president who had one of the highest security in the country was attacked.

As police continue their investigation, parliament committee on national security services or the 241 committee is probing on how his security was breached.

In a press conference held on June 6, police said that they had received tips from over 150 individuals in relation to the attack, by then. Following this, raids were conducted in at least 25 locations.

Four suspects have been arrested in relation to the attack, with authorities informing that they all carried “extremist ideologies”. Another 10 individuals were arrested in the counter-terrorism operations launched after the bombing.