Two suspects arrested over terror plot remanded

Two more suspects arrested over a foiled terror attack, have been remanded by seven days.

The two, a 28-year-old and 34-year-old, were arrested on Friday.

Police foiled the potential attack organized by a group of extremists following intelligence information, on November 12.

While the special operation was conducted near capital Male’ City and its waters as well as in Thimarafushi island of Thaa atoll, police had previously confirmed the arrest of one suspect from Male’ as well as two from Thimarafushi and three from a boat in the Male’ atoll region.

Those arrested include a 20-year-old, a 21-year-old, a 29-year-old, a 31-year-old, a 34-year-old as well as an 18-year-old. Police on Saturday said that the remands of five of these men were extended by 15 days.

While authorities have noted the increasing number of individuals showing signs of radicalisation as well as the number of Maldivian traveling to participate in foreign civil wars, work to address the issue is being conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs together with the police and the National Counter Terrorism Centre.

As part of this work, a De-Radicalization and Rehabilitation Center was established in Himmafushi island of Kaafu atoll back in February.