Sri Lanka, Dec. 18 -- The Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) detained two Sri Lankan fishing vessels in the seas near Kelaa Island in the Haa Alifu Atoll.

Authorities conducted the operation based on foreign intelligence reports, leading to the Coast Guard intercepting the boats for unauthorized entry into the Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The vessels were located yesterday (17) morning, approximately 51 nautical miles off the coast of Kelaa during a joint surveillance mission involving the Coast Guard and the Air Corps.

The MNDF handed the seized vessels over to the Maldives Police Service for a formal investigation.

This enforcement action follows a period of heightened maritime security following a major drug traffic...