The Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has limited the security offered to former president and ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)'s leader Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
According a close official of Gayoom, he was informed that the usual security backup car which follows Gayoom's official vehicle will be replaced with MNDF soldiers on motorcycles.
The official expressed concern over the timing of this decision amidst major disputes between Gayoom and his half-brother and incumbent president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, which has split PPM into two factions.
It is noteworthy that Gayoom's security was tightened weeks ago over the political situation heating up.
As the court has given the control of the ruling party from its leader Gayoom to President Yameen, major clashes have been formed between the two brothers with the elder Gayoom ultimately withdrawing his support for President Yameen's government.