Maldives Police Service (MPS) has stated the nine suspects arrested in the anti-terrorism operation in Addu City were allegedly involved in making bombs and other weapons.
The anti-terrorism operation was conducted in Addu on May 15 as part of the efforts to tighten security after the May 6 terrorist attack against Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed. Speaking at a press conference on May 20, Criminal Investigation Command's Chief Superintendent Mohamed Basheer said the suspects arrested in Addu were extremists who made bombs and other weapons. Basheer said court hearings have begun for three of the suspects, and MPS is investigating whether the suspects have any links to the May 6 terror attack.
Basheer further stated national security services are conducting joint operations in Male' City and Addu City in relation to the terror attack on the speaker and the spread of extremist ideology in the country. He added officers have searched and confiscated items from five houses, although none of the items include weapons.
MPS has stated a suspect was arrested in Male', who was allegedly a leading figure in the efforts to spread extremist ideology. Although MPS did not reveal any details regarding the suspect, PSM has learned that the suspect is 43-year-old Abdulla Ali, who was previously arrested and sentenced over the violent clash between extremists and the security forces in Himandhoo, Alifu Alifu Atoll in 2007. Abdulla Ali was sentenced to 10 years in prison over the incident, but had escaped prison twice. He was caught in Thinadhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll after his first prison escape, and had attempted to flee again after jumping off the boat taking him to Male'.
After escaping prison a second time, he was caught and arrested again while living in Thilafushi, Kaafu Atoll under a different identity. He has since completed the 10-year prison sentence.