Minister of Defense and National Security Adam Shareef has stated the finances for those attempting “jihad” were arranged by foreigners. He added that there were no reports of locals arranging finances for such individuals.
Speaking to press in Coast Guard building, Minister Adam Shareef said they were conducting initiatives to find the finance routes for those individuals leaving the country to take part in the civil conflicts. He further said that once those sources are discovered, the Government will implement all the possible measures.
Minister Adam Shareef also said only a few individuals have the opportunity to return home after joining civil conflicts. He added the number of individuals going on jihads were a nominal amount, stating the actual number of individuals going on jihad was revealed in recent YouTube videos.
He also said there were many issues in communicating with those individuals, adding communication was entirely on their whim.
Minister Shareef highlighted that the number of “jihadists” were on the rise due to the lack awareness.
“They are not aware of the magnitude of their actions or the reasons behind the conflicts or the situation they will face once they are there,” he said.
Adam Shareef said the Fiqh Academy had also expressed concern over the situation, further noting the civil conflict was not supported by Maldivians. He added that Maldives saw these acts, as they are not supported by the Government and the public, are acts of terror.
Minister Adam Shareef further said that they were investigating possible causes and solutions for the issue. He also said counseling will be provided for those espousing militant views, and that stakeholder agencies were working with those few who had returned home.
Finance for Jihad were arranged by foreigners: Adam Shareef
