The local army - Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) - has started operating at Velana International Airport, the country's main air path to foreign in order to strengthen the security parameters.
Defense Minister Adam Shareef Umar said the security measures were increased due to several terrorist attacks targeted at various airports in the world - and in order to be ready for such a similar scenario.
However Minister had assured that Maldives has not received any intimidation or threats from terror organizations or similar entities regarding any impending attacks.
Minister Umar also stressed thorough passenger and luggage checks will be carried at the airport terminal in order to bolster security measures.
Although army officials had maintained the security parameters of the international airport they had not operated with weaponry before.
While airport security measures are strengthened three locals were apprehended from boarding flight headed to Syria through a Turkey transit. All three Maldivians have been flown to homeland and they are under Maldives Police Service's watch.
The Maldivians were apprehended through a joint operation carried by Turkey and Maldivian armed forces.
Earlier this month two local men aged 29 and 33 were flown back to Maldives after they were arrested on Malaysian soil for being possibly linked to infamous terror organization ISIS. Both men are strongly believed to have ties to an apparent bombing attack which was slated for execution on Malaysia.
However the terror attack was foiled by authorities. Though both men were arrested on pretext of having ties to the terror organization their scope or role of involvement in the bombing plans were not disclosed by Malaysian authorities.
The two locals who were employed at air-conditioner technicians were attempting to fly in to conflict heavy Syria through Singapore.
According to a recent research by National Counter Terrorism - the primary watchdog monitoring locals flying to take part in foreign conflicts, especially in Middle-Eastern region - indicates a total of 42 Maldivians had already flown so far this year. However foreign intelligence agencies place the amount above 200.
