General

Two fishing boats from Sri Lanka were captured near Kelaa in Haa Alifu Atoll yesterday. This action was taken by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) based on information from foreign intelligence, as reported by Maldivian media today. The MNDF stated that the Coast Guard detained the vessels for illegally entering the Maldives’ Special Economic Zone (SEZ). This seizure happened during a joint operation with the Coast Guard and Air Corps, following tips from regional partners. The boats were stopped at around 8:30 am yesterday, roughly 51 nautical miles from Kelaa, Maldives. They have been transferred to the Maldives Police Service, which is now investigating the situation. This incident occurs as maritime security is tightened after a recent significant drug trafficking case. Last month, a Sri Lankan fishing boat was caught in Maldivian waters with 350 kilograms of drugs. Five Sri Lankan individuals on that boat were arrested and are currently in custody awaiting trial. Additionally, a Sri Lankan investigative team has come to the Maldives concerning that case.