No arrests made in relation to Mahibadhoo fire; 'similarities' with other recent fire incidents
Suspects identified
The boats were burnt to crisp
No arrests have been made in relation to the fire at the Mahibadhoo harbour earlier this month.
Speaking at a press conference held on Wednesday, Assistant Police Commissioner Abdulla Riyaz stated that while they have yet to make any arrests that suspects have been identified.
Noting that raids have been conducted in five suspects’ residences, Riyaz said that “digital evidence has been collected” and that technical work is underway including enhancing some video footage.
While police had previously stated that this is believed to be a terrorist attack, the ACP said that there are some similarities with the arson attack on a police speedboat back in March, as well as some other recent fire incidents.
As such he said that empty bottles with some sort of spirit was used in the attack, and added that one such bottle had missed the launch and was discovered in the water at the Mahibadhoo harbour during the investigation.
Security company, SITE Intelligence Group claims that ISIS has taken responsibility for the Mahibadhoo fire; its first ever attack in the archipelago nation.
The group’s director Rita Katz also claimed that ISIS supporters are responsible of carrying the attack on three foreigners in February.
However, there is no confirmation of this and Maldivian authorities have yet to respond to the claims.
