Breaking News: Former President Injured During Explosion

Breaking News: Former President Injured During Explosion

According to authorities, a former president has been injured in an explosion, and is now being treated in a local hospital.

Local media has reported that former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed, Nasheed, who is now the Speaker of the People’s Majlis, was entering his car in Malé when an explosion occurred.

“Following an explosion on Neeloafaru Magu in Malé, Speaker of Parliament President Mohamed Nasheed has sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment at ADK Hospital,” Maldives Police tweeted.

“Police are currently active on the scene and we urge the public to refrain from going to that area for the time being. We will keep updating the public,” a subsequent tweet read.

Reuters reporter Mohamed Junayd shared the news on Twitter, translating information released by a local news outlet.

“Maldives local media is reporting an explosion near Speaker Nasheed’s car as he was getting inside. Reports suggest Nasheed is injured. No details yet,” he tweeted.

Police and officers of the Maldives National Defence Force have secured the scene of the explosion.

According to an update, preliminary reports have indicated that an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was the cause of the explosion. The IED was reportedly fastened to a two-wheeler parked nearby, and went off just as Nasheed was getting into his car near his residence at around 8:30 p.m. local time.

Two other injuries have been reported, aside from Nasheed. News outlet The Hindu reports that the explosion injured “the Speaker and one of his bodyguards. Another foreigner was reportedly injured in the explosion.”

Officials within the country have condemned the attack on Twitter.

Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid wrote: “Strongly condemn the attack on Speaker of Parliament, President @MohamedNasheed this evening. Cowardly attacks like these have no place in our society. My thoughts and prayers are with President Nasheed and others injured in this attack, as well as their families.”

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