Maldivians urged to remain indoors amid Middle East hostilities

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised Maldivians residing in or travelling through the Middle East to take safety precautions and limit outdoor movement following military strikes involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the ministry said the advisory follows attacks carried out by the United States and Israel on Iran and subsequent retaliatory strikes by Iran targeting United States military bases in several Gulf countries.

According to the ministry, Iran has launched strikes on military installations in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait.

The Foreign Ministry urged Maldivians in the affected countries to remain indoors where possible, avoid public places, and follow safety instructions issued by local authorities.

“The Ministry, together with Maldivian embassies in the Middle East, is monitoring the situation of Maldivian citizens in the region,” the statement said.

The ministry also asked Maldivians in the region to register with the nearest Maldivian embassy to ensure consular assistance can be provided if required.

Following the escalation, several airlines operating flights to and from the Maldives have suspended services. These include Emirates, flydubai, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and Kuwait Airways.

A flydubai flight travelling from Malé to Dubai was forced to return to the Maldives after Gulf airspace was closed. In addition, two private jets that departed Velana International Airport for destinations in Europe and the eastern Mediterranean returned to the Maldives after their flights were interrupted.

Dubai International Airport has suspended all flight operations until further notice.