Fearing Afghan influence, Police takes precautions

Maldivian government decides to take action in order to prevent extremist beliefs perpetuated by Taliban to extend to Maldives.

When the US military had left Afghanistan on August 15, the Taliban took over instated themselves in the government. The Taliban is branded as a terrorist organisation by several nations worldwide.

US military entered Afghanistan after declaring war on terrorism following the attack on US World Trade Center in 2001.

Police Commissioner Mohamed Hameed had told Mihaaru news that the recent events in Afghanistan were concerning and that they were closely monitoring the nation.

"It is not just us. Every organisation concerned with maintaining national safety is observing the situation," Hameed said.

Hameed said they were discussing at a national level the necessary precautions required in order to maintain national security.

A Maldivian family was in an Afghan jail when the nation fell under the Taliban. Maldives was currently were working to extradite them.

Commissioner had highlighted the fact that Maldivians had travelled and participated in conflict ridden such as Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq between 2000 and 2012 as well.

As Afghanistan is closer to Maldives than the aforementioned countries, the Police believes the link between Maldivians connected to the terrorist groups in Afghanistan may be stronger.

"It won't be hat difficult to enter Afghanistan. Therefore we are carefully monitoring the situation," Hameed said.

Maldives has not officially announced whether or not they would accept the Taliban government in Afghanistan.

However in the UNGA meetings held last week, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said as Maldives is concerned for Afganistan as the two nations are neighbours. He said Maldives wishes for the safety of the rights of women and children in the nation.

The President had also reiterated the importance of a democratically elected government in Afghanistan.

Previously the Police had stated that there were organised attempts to recruit people for extremist and terrorist groups in Maldives as well. It is also a matter of concern there is no established way to monitor people linked to terrorist organisations.