Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has stated that the explosive discovered in a vehicle parked in front of Hithigasdhoshuge yesterday was a stick dynamite, usually used in maximum force explosions.
Speaking in a press conference held in Coast Guard building to brief media on the issue, MNDF Captain Ali Ihsan said that stick dynamite was normally used in blasting mountains and hard rocks. He said that they had received intelligence reports of the incident Sunday evening and had confirmation that the explosive was placed in front of Muleeaage Monday evening.
Captain Ihsan said that the explosive was placed on top the battery compartment of the white lorry parked in front of Hithigasdhoshuge. He added that a team had been dispatched to investigate the suspicious item. He also added that once MNDF had confirmation that the device was an explosive, they had followed the due procedures set in the Force.
Captain Ihsan noted that the Police had provided the required assistance and had evacuated all members of public from the vicinity.
He defended the decision to move the explosive to the Stadium area, citing that the decision was carried out to mitigate any damages or losses that might have occurred. Captain Ihsan also said that the Stadium was an isolated area with open space. He added that once the explosive was defused, forensic teams were active in collecting the evidence.
The Captain said that based on the current investigation, they were able to determine that the explosive was a stick dynamite. He added that a primary power source for the dynamite was created using four large batteries. Ihsan said that an additional power source for the dynamite was also discovered, as well as a remote detonation system. He noted that the device was carefully taped, covered with a t-shirt and packed into a cloth bag.
Stick dynamite was chosen as weapon: MNDF
