Maldives Police Service (MPS) has arrested a new suspect in relation to the May 6 terrorist attack against Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed.
MPS stated 23-year-old Ahmed Fathih was arrested in a special operation conducted in Dharavandhoo, Baa Atoll on May 19. Fathih had gone to Dharavandhoo on May 10 after claiming he was travelling to the island for his marriage.
Speaking at a press conference on May 20, Criminal Investigation Command's Chief Superintendent Mohamed Basheer said the national security services are still working on identifying all the suspects involved in the attack, and they are unable to divulge more information on the case, as it would hinder the ongoing investigations. MPS has urged individuals to come forward with any information they have regarding the May 6 terror attack or the spread of extremist ideology in the country.
Speaker Nasheed was severely injured after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was triggered near his residence. MPS previously arrested 25-year-old Ahmed Adhuham Rasheed, 21-year-old Mujaz Ahmed and 32-year-old Thahumeen Ahmed in connection with the terror attack.
MPS stated Adhuham is the prime suspect who allegedly detonated the IED, while Thahumeen was the owner of the vehicle on which the IED was attached. CCTV footage released by MPS showed Adhuham observing Nasheed near his residence on the night of the attack.
While all four suspects have been remanded for 15 days, they denied any involvement in the terror attack during the remand hearing.