Three people have been arrested in connection with an anti-terrorism operation conducted by security forces on Monday night.

One man was arrested while driving a lorry near the Republic Square in Male'. Security forces accompanied him and searched his residence.

The suspect is a Maldivian national. Adhadhu journalists saw security officials confiscating some items from his house.

Adhadhu understands that a second man was arrested from an apartment in the Vinares flats in Hulhumale' Phase 2.

The police and Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) have not officially commented.

A woman waits while officials raid her home. -- Photo: Adhadhu

In a post on X on Monday night, police announced that a special operation was underway in the Male' region.

According to information gathered by Adhadhu journalists, security forced searched:

• Two lorries driving near the Republic Square area
• A Vinares apartment
• A house on Shabnam road
• A house near Henveiru Stadium
• A house near Raalhugandu area
• Farukolhufushi area in Hulhumale' Phase 1

This is the first anti-terrorism operation underway since President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu assumed office in November 2023.