Maldives Police Service (MPS) has said that it has received reports of planned attacks, including arson, in the capital Malé City.

At a press conference on Thursday evening, police’s spokesperson, Superintendent Ahmed Shifan said that the police’ intelligence unit has received reports that some are working to create chaos in the city. He said that intelligence reports indicate that the attacks are to take place either today, or tomorrow.

Shifan said that the police had apprehended four individuals over the allegations on Thursday, adding that more related to this are to be arrested.

The four arrested on Thursday are senior officials of the joint opposition. They are; MDP national council member Hassan Ahmed, former parliamentarian Ilyas Labeeb, MDP campaign committee member and husband of MP Eva Abdulla, Ahmed “Saabe” Shahid and MDP activist Hussain Ilham.

The police spokesperson reiterated that “unlawful gatherings will not be allowed,” adding that the officers of the Maldives Police Service “will always be within the ambit of law”.