UK, Australia issues travel warnings about possible terrorist attacks in Maldives

Both Australia and the United Kingdom have issued travel advisories warning their nationals of possible terrorist attacks in the Maldives.

In its notice, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade highlighted that terrorist attacks “could occur in the Maldives, including against Maldivian institutions and tourist locations frequently visited by westerners”. It noted that Australians are a target for ISIL and other terrorist groups.

While Australians are advised to exercise normal safety precautions in Maldives, travelers have been asked to exercise ‘a high degree of precaution’ in the capital Malé City, and have been asked to “always pay close attention to personal security and monitor the media”.

UK, in its travel alert, emphasized that “terrorists are likely to carry out attacks in the Maldives”, adding that “attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers including tourists”.

While Australia and the UK have issues travel advisories to their nationals, police, in April, apprehended a number of individuals suspected of planning a bomb attack in various parts of the capital city. Police had searched three houses late night on April 24, in their investigation to locate the reported threat to national security.

In the search, officers found various fillers used in explosive and other chemical pounds that can be used to produce an explosive device.

Furthermore, an individual who had raised the flag used by the fundamentalist militant group Islamic State (IS) in capital city Malé was arrested in May.

Researchers suggest that there are over 200 Maldivians fighting in perceived ‘religious’ wars abroad, however the government’s official figure refutes this and places the number much lower, at 30.