SWAT teams need to be deployed for the safety of tourists: Abdulla Riyaz

SWAT teams need to be deployed for the safety of tourists, says Former Commissioner of Police and current MP for Thimarafushi constituency, Abdulla Riyaz.

Referring to the violent attack on three male foreigners- two Chinese and one Australian- that took place on Tuesday, MP Riyaz stated that SWAT teams armed with pistols must be deployed for the safety of tourists and civilians, adding that police need to be empowered for a country to be peaceful.

While six suspected extremists have been arrested in relation to the attack on the three foreigners, authorities have stated that the perpetrators will be brought to justice. Moreover, authorities are still looking into the validity of the video -depicting masked men claiming to be the Maldives branch of terror organization Islamic State (IS)- circulating on social media.

Following the attack, the president also called for a National Security Council (NSC) meeting where he stated that threats or attempts to harm any individual on Maldivian soil will not be tolerated and that swift action will be taken against any such perpetrators, as the safety and security of the public is the Government's highest priority.

One of the victims has been released from the hospital after treatment, however, the remaining two are still receiving treatment. All three are in stable condition, added police.