Alert status, still at "Yellow two": MNDF

The country’s alert status remains at “Yellow two”, revealed the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF).

While the alert was raised to “Yellow two” from 7pm onwards on 24 December, armed military personnel clad in uniform has been stationed across different areas, including Velana International Airport, since then.

Speaking to RaajjeMV regarding the matter, MNDF’s Information Officer Major Ibrahim Azim revealed that the operations are proceeding as planned, and that the alert status remains at “Yellow two”, and will continue to remain as such until further notice.

Further, while officers had urged the public to cooperate fully throughout the operation, in order to ensure that safety and peace are maintained, Major Azim expressed gratitude on behalf of the authorities for the immense cooperation authorities have been receiving from the public since the alert status was raised.

MNDF initially revealed that there is no particular threat or reason behind raising the alert status across the entire Maldives and that it aims to prepare the military personnel for “anything that may happen”.

This follows a strengthening of security measures across the country and during this period, military officers will be conducting raids and searches on vessels as well.

Usually issued when there is an increase in “possible threats” to national security and peace, the Yellow alert comes at a time authorities have been taking strict measures against extremism in the country.

Even having launched an operation in Maduvvari island of Raa atoll due to increasing cases of extremism, authorities have thus far taken three individuals into their custody, with Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed having revealed that there are about 1,400 individuals in the country who promote extremist ideologies. While officers are carrying out the operation in seven other islands, another arrest was made on Saturday.