A group of Maldivians have been arrested at the Velana International Airport under allegations of planning to get involved in the internal conflicts of Syria.

According to sources, among some of the Maldivians who were arrested from the airport in suburban Hulhule' island was a minor who previously attempted to fly to Syria for jihad.

The minor had since been banned from travelling out of the Maldives. However, he had once again tried his luck to travel on Wednesday night following the expiration of the court order banning him from travelling.

It is yet unclear on the exact number of individuals arrested on Wednesday given that police had not disclosed any details regarding the matter.

According to the National Counter Terrorism Center, Maldivians seen travelling to Syria to join the internal conflict there are increasing in number, with 61 individuals having travelled to Syria in 2017 alone. Most believe that this is a threat to national security of Maldives albeit some of the Maldivians travelling to join the war having returned.