President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has declared all regions of Syria as war zones under the new amendment brought to the Anti-Terrorism Act.

While a list of recongized terrorist organisations were previously published, this marks the first time that an entire country has been declared as a war zone. As per Article 18 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, the President must establish a list of terrorist organisations and war zones with the consultation of the National Security Committee.

The President has also included two additional terror groups in the list that was publicized last September. The new additions are Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and Hurras al-Din.

Formally Recognized Terror Groups by the State:

- Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL/IS)

- Al-Qaeda

- Al-Nusra Front (Jabhat al-Nusra)

- Lashkar e-Tayibba

- Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsular

- Abu Sayyaf Group

- Boko Haram

- Al-Shabaab

- Al-Qaeda in the Indian Sub-Continent

- Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)

- Harakat ul-Jihad-i-Islami

- Jaish-e-Mohammed

- Islamic state in the Levant region

- National Thowheed Jamath

- Millatu Ibrahim

- Wilayat al Seylani

While President Solih has declared all regions of Syria a war zone, a number of Maldivians are in Syria fighting in their civil war, with many said to have lost their lives in battle.

With the amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act, acts of terror were clearly defined with sever punishments set for them.

The amendment revamps the Anti-Terrorism Act to include essential elements to assist authorities under special circumstances in preventing acts of terrorism. It further contributes to the prevention of terrorism by incorporating early intervention strategies.

The new amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act further accentuates political and religious extremism and radicalisation as terrorist acts. These include any forms of support towards promoting extremism and radicalisation and any types of participation in such acts.