News

Maldives stopped over 60 jihadists last year

Authorities had prevented 68 jihadists from joining various foreign conflicts last year, national counter terrorism centre revealed Monday.

Defence minister Adam Shareef Umar told reporters that a united effort by authorities have boosted the number of possible jihadists stopped from joining foreign conflicts. The 68 people stopped by authorities include entire families the minister said adding that there were nine children

According to the minister, a dozen people were apprehended from Turkey, while 21 people were intercepted in the Maldives.

Authorities are now investigating the cases of the jihadists, minister added.

Maldives authorities have looked to stem the flow of locals joining the Syrian war, where various sources claims that Maldives has the highest number of fighters in Syria per capita.

Prosecutors meanwhile have charged several locals recently over allegations of joining foreign extremist groups.

Government has looked to take measures to curb the rising extremist ideologies in the island nation with the parliament in August passed a national policy on terrorism.