MNDF: Suitcase found in Republic Square was empty

Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), on Wednesday, said the unattended suitcase found in the Republic Square, resulting in a safety scare, had been empty.

The red suitcase had been found lying next to a trashcan in the Republic Square at approximately 10:49 am.

It led to the MNDF Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team launching an operation to check the suitcase for explosives as a precautionary measure.

MNDF said the operation to check the suitcase had been launched as standard protocol to ascertain public safety and security given the unattended item had been found at a popular public gathering place.

The suitcase was screened at the Republic Square itself, and removed to a safe location where it was opened.

MNDF spokesperson, Major Ibrahim Azim confirmed the suitcase had been empty.

“There was nothing inside the suitcase. It was an empty suitcase,” he said.