Alleged video of Maldivian fighters killed in Syrian civil war circulates online
At least 173 Maldivians have left to join the Syrian war
Maldivian authorities have yet to confirm that those seen in the video are Maldivians
A video allegedly of Maldivian fighters who died in Syria, have been circulating online.
The nearly six-minute video was shared by Bilad al Sham Media, the same group who has previously publicized videos of Maldivian fighters active in the Syrian civil war.
While the video was shared with the caption "Dhivehi Shaheedhun" (which translates to Maldivian martyrs), authorities are yet to comment on the video. Hence, RaajjeMV has been unable to confirm whether those seen in the video are Maldivians.
The video shows 18 alleged Maldivian fighters that died in the Syrian civil war from 2014 to 2019.
While Maldives native language, Dhivehi is heard in the background of the video, military training can also be seen, along with those injured during the war as well as people being buried. Furthermore, people holding the Islamic State (IS) flag and living with children is to be seen in the video.
An individual with their face covered is also heard saying their only choice was to die to emerge victorious in the war, in Dhivehi.
According to the latest information publicized by the Police, a total 173 Maldivians have left to join the Syrian war. While some of these people are requesting to return home, reports indicates that this mostly include women and children.
Work is ongoing to establish a rehabilitation programme for Maldivians returning from war zones, with an amendment proposed to the Anti-Terrorism Act. The Syria civil war as well as the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has led to delays in bringing them back to Maldives.
