Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi has stated the most recent counterterrorism operations conducted by Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) and Maldives Police have foiled one of the deadliest terror plots planned in the Maldives.

Speaking at a ceremony held in Seenu Gan last night to mark the 29th anniversary of MNDF's Southern Area Command,  Mariya said the government was making efforts to prevent the spread of extremism. 

In a recent operation carried out by Law Enforcement Agencies on November 11th, 14 people have been detained by authorities. According to Law Enforcement Agencies, the detained suspects planned to blow up various places in collaboration with the extremist group ISIS. 

Referring to the incident, Mariya added that it is crucial to recognise these issues and plans are being discussed within the area commands. She further said that it should be further analysed and built upon due to the regular operations being conducted. 

Minister Mariya stated that the country is like the Maldives which relies on tourism and has a fragile economy, shaping the country based on these two areas is important. 

She further highlighted the armed forces also have to adapt to the changing environment and in this age of information, it is important to build the capability to gather, collect, study and conduct military operations based on it.

Although Law Enforcement Agencies have foiled the terrorist plot recently, a bomb was detonated in Male' City last year to kill Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed. Multiple parties have raised concerns have been detained and are currently in court.