President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said that they are currently reviewing Maldives’ security procedures, following the terrorist attacks in neighboring Sri Lanka.
He said this while speaking at a function held to mark the 127th anniversary of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) on Tuesday night, and highlighted that the coordinated attacks in Lanka “is a threat to the whole region.”
President Solih said that the military, along with the Maldives Police Service and National Counter Terrorism Center are currently reviewing the country’s security procedures so as to take the necessary steps to strengthen them.
Describing the attacks as inhumane and cowardly, he said that such attacks cannot be accepted “whatever the reason.”
“The Maldivian government and people condemn the terror attacks in the strongest terms,” added the president.
Hours after the explosions, Solih sent a special envoy to Sri Lanka, “to inquire on the condition of Maldivians who may have been affected following the explosions that occurred across Sri Lanka this morning, and to convey solidarity to the Sri Lankan government at this time of national distress.”
While over 300 people were killed in Sunday’s blasts, the country’s foreign ministry says that among them are 31 foreigners. It added that 14 foreign nationals are still missing and may be among the unidentified victims. Two days after the attack, the Islamic State claimed responsibility. While it did not provide any evidence, Sri Lanka fears "international terror links."
