A special operation is being conducted in Addu City, to crackdown on criminal gangs engaging in violence.

The special operation was launched jointly by the Addu City police stations, the South Police Serious Crime Cell and Special Operations Police in the southernmost city.

The operation, launched on December 3, aims to crackdown and prevent cases of gang violence, which have been spiraling of recent.

A total of 10 individuals have been arrested in the operation so far, under accusations of involvement in gang violence.

The suspects include an 18-year-old, two 19-year-olds, three 20-year-olds, a 21-year-old and three 23-year-olds.

Upon being presented to the Hithadhoo Magistrate Court for their remand hearing, all 10 suspects were remanded pending the outcome of their trial.

Police officers are raiding locations where groups gather in Hithadhoo district and have so far confiscated sharp weapons, knives, iron rods as well as other dangerous weapons suspected to have been prepared for such attacks.

Addu City police stations and the South Police Serious Crime Cell are conducting further investigations in connection with the cases of gang violence.