A terrorism warning has been issued to Aussie travellers visiting the Maldives
A terrorism warning has been issued to Aussie travellers heading to an island hotspot over civil unrest and riots.
National
Don't miss out on the headlines from National. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A warning has been issued to Australian travellers following civil unrest in the Maldives.
The island paradise is a popular destination that attracted about 35,000 Australians last year and is located about 750km southwest of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean.
SmartTraveller updated its advice telling holidaymakers visiting the Maldives to avoid areas impacted by demonstrations and to exercise a high degree of caution.
“Public demonstrations could occur and may become violent,” the warning read.
SmartTraveller advised there have been several terrorist attacks in the Maldives since February 2020, including three foreigners who were stabbed in Hulhumalé and an Australian who was injured.
A police speedboat was set alight in Laamu Gan in March 2020 and an explosive device was detonated in Malé in May 2021, injuring a politician and bystanders.
While resort islands were considered generally peaceful and secure, travellers were warned protests and demonstrations could occur in the greater Malé area and inhabited islands or non-resort islands.
“Terrorism can occur anywhere at any time. Terrorists may target areas visited by tourists. Follow the advice of local authorities,” travellers were warned.
“Avoid protests and demonstrations, even if they appear calm and peaceful and follow the advice of local authorities. Monitor local media to avoid affected areas.
“Drug-related crime and gang-related violence occurs in urban areas, including greater Malé and inhabited islands.”
Travellers were warned to avoid affected areas and to follow instructions from security personnel and authorities.
Originally published as A terrorism warning has been issued to Aussie travellers visiting the Maldives
‘Does a 90yo need 500k-a-year?’
As debate rages over Labor’s controversial super tax, critics have taken aim at the eye-watering, taxpayer-funded lifetime pensions paid to former public servants.
Penbo: Free speech isn’t hard for lefty uni censors – it’s dead
Donald Trump’s war with Harvard looks more sympathetic when contrasted with one of this country’s biggest uni’s treatment of one of its best journos, writes David Penberthy.
Martin Bryant’s prison life revealed as he boasts of a pen pal ‘girlfriend’
The only person inside prison who endeavoured to talk to Martin Bryant has revealed new details about the Port Arthur killer’s life behind bars after he murdered 35 people. SEE THE VIDEO.
‘Ticking time bomb’: Three controversial new ways for Aussies to die
Known as Australia’s ‘Dr Death’, Philip Nitschke has suggested three new, controversial ideas for those who wish to end their lives, including a ticking-time bomb device.
Australia’s VAD laws explained: How they differ by state
AFL legend Robert Walls is one of many Aussies who have made use of the country’s voluntary assisted dying legislation. Take a look at how the laws differ by state.
Why thousands of Aussies will cop an $800 mortgage hit
Homeowners who borrow from one of the country’s largest banks aren’t tipped to receive the full benefits of the RBA’s latest rate cut. See why. PLUS, TRY OUR MORTGAGE CALCULATOR