Mahibadhoo fire 'appears to be a terrorist attack'

The fire that destroyed seven speedboats docked outside of Mahibadhoo Island in Alif Dhaal atoll on Wednesday morning is believed to be a terrorist attack, authorities have revealed.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday night, Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed revealed that police findings indicate that the fire could have been a deliberate arson attack by a group of extremists.

As such, the commissioner stated that a sea ambulance as well as police and council speedboat are believed to be the intended targets.

A team of police Criminal Investigation Department officers have been active in the island since the attack.

When questioned as to why the police have not declared the fire as a terrorist act yet, Hameed revealed that it is too soon to declare it a terrorist act and that they will be confirming the matter after thorough investigations. However, he revealed that findings so far into the case indicate that this was a deliberate arson attack.

Further speaking at the press, Chief of Defense Force Major General Abdulla Shamaal revealed that the authorities will not give the opportunity for such things to take place in the community.

Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) revealed that the fire was reported around 05:45 am on Wednesday morning and five speedboats and two dinghies docked outside the island were burnt to crisp including one police speedboat, atoll council speedboat and sea ambulance.

The fire that began ravaging the vessels at dawn was successfully extinguished by 08:05am with the joint efforts from the island residents.