By IANS
Colombo : The US Monday condemned a bomb blast in the Maldives that injured 12 tourists, and said its Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was assisting the local authorities in investigation.
“The US embassy was shocked and saddened to learn of the bombing incident in Male” Saturday, an embassy statement here said. “We condemn without reservation this senseless act of violence.”
“The FBI’s regional representative is currently assisting the Maldivian authorities in their investigation,” it added.
Two persons have been arrested in connection with the explosion in the Maldivian capital Male. It was first such terror attack in the country.
The explosion, caused by a locally made device, injured eight Chinese, two Japanese and two British tourists, said Mohamed H. Shareef, the chief government spokesman. It occurred in a park in the central area of Male.
More than 60,000 tourists visit the archipelago each year, generating about one-third of the country’s total income.