Maldives to enhance security for tourists after stabbings

The Maldives government plans to increase security for tourists after suspected Islamic extremists stabbed three foreigners in the Indian Ocean nation.

The National Security Council was working with the police and other agencies to find out more about the attack, its motives and the perpetrators, the president's office said.

Six suspects have been arrested in connection with the wounding of two Chinese nationals and an Australian.

The three were stabbed outdoors in separate attacks Tuesday on Hulhumale Island, adjoining the airport island in the capital region.

The government says the three are recovering in a hospital.

The security council met with tourism industry representatives Thursday to consult about enhancing security in areas frequented by tourists, the statement from the president's office said.

It wasn't specific about the measures that were planned.

Police also are investigating the authenticity of a video circulated on social media in which a masked man claims responsibility for the attacks.

Maldives is an Indian Ocean archipelago known for its expensive luxury island resorts.

With a population of about 400,000 people, predominantly Sunni Muslim, the Maldives was known to have contributed the highest number of foreign fighters per capita in Syria.