The Maldives National Defence Force has seized three foreign fishing vessels suspected of operating illegally inside the country's Exclusive Economic Zone.
The interception took place in a joint operation by the MNDF Air Corps and Coast Guard approximately 170 nautical miles west of Ari Atoll. Efforts are under way to escort the vessels to Male.
The MNDF has not yet disclosed the nationality of the boats. Earlier this year the force also intercepted Sri Lankan fishing vessels for illegal entry into Maldivian waters.
