Police: Stabbing in Hulhumale' was revenge against anti-terror operations

Maldives Police Service has stated that the stabbing of foreigners in the suburb of Hulhumale’ in early February was an act of revenge by individuals with extremist ideology in the Maldives.

The investigation into the incident had led to the conclusion that the stabbing was carried out to obtain revenge on Police operations carried out in R. Maduvvari earlier this year, said Police during a press conference tonight.

Speaking at the presser, Assistance Commissioner of Police, Mohamed Riyaaz stated that the investigation was now concluded and the case was now forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office. ACP Riyaz stated that the investigation had shown the stabbing was carried out by a cell of extremists operating in the Male’ City area.

“The findings of our investigation has led to the conclusion that the attack carried out in Hulhumale’ is an act of revenge against the state authorities and Police for the work carried out against the spread of extremism at the end of last year.” Stated the Assistant Commissioner.

More than 300 hours of CCTV footage analyzed

He added that witness testimonies and the statements of those who transported the wounded to the hospital had allowed the authorities to find out where and how the attack unfolded.

CCTV footage from the locations had led to Police identifying the attackers and the arrest of eight people in connection with the attack. Seven were arrested on February 13 while one was arrested on the island of Th. Thimarafushi on March 2.

The attack was carried out by four people and Police had seized the motorcycles used in the attack. Registration boards switched from the motorcycles have also been seized by the Police.

Clothes worn by the attackers as well as the knife used in the attack were discovered by the authorities. The items had been handed over to others to be hidden by the attackers.

The homes of the attackers were searched by the Police, and digital storage devices seized from the locations have led the Police to discover communications supporting extremism and terrorism as well as posts and documents.

ACP Riyaz also added that 300 hours of footage from 75 locations were analyzed by the Police for the investigation. The footage allowed officers to track the routes taken by the attackers as they traveled from Male’ to Hulhumale’ to carry out the attack.