BREAKING: Man linked to extremism arrested in Hulhumalé

Maldives Police during a raid operation | Photo: Shuaib Mohamed Iqbal

Malé, Maldives – Maldives Police has arrested a 27 year old Maldivian male in relation to the crackdown on extremism after the May terror attack.

Police have released no further information regarding the arrest.

A Maldivian man was arrested by the Maldives Police in B. Dharavandhoo, last night was later reported to be connected to the May 6 Terror Attack. Police said in a press conference earlier today that the man was Ahmed Fathih, Dhunfini Ufaa, L. Gan.

In addition, a total of nine individuals were arrested from the southernmost Addu City atoll for being a part of or for supporting violent extremist ideologies.

The Police informed today that last night’s detainee, Fathih is a suspect in the case of the bomb attack made on former President and Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed on the 6th of this month. Fathih is allegedly the individual who parked the IED attached motorcycle at the detonation location.

Fathih is the fourth suspect arrested in the case. The other suspects are Ahmed Adhuham aged 25, Mujaaz Ahmed of MA. Feyruge aged 21, and Thahmeen Ahmed of Folheyma, GA. Kondey, aged 32. The three were also sentenced to 15 days imprisonment by the Criminal Court.

During the terror attack, an IED was attached to a motorcycle parked at Neelofaru Hingun and Majeedhee Magu junction. The bomb was detonated at the moment the Former President and current Speaker Mohamed Nasheed walked towards his car.

The explosion which went off around 20:20 on the night of May 6 left Speaker of Parliament, Mohamed Nasheed injured while he was getting into his car near his house, G. Kenereege, Malé City. In addition to him, 3 more people have also been reported to be injured from the explosion.