Maldives declares state of emergency, arrests 2 Supreme court judges and former president

AP Photo/ Mohamed Sharuhaan

Maldives defence soldiers patrol on the main street of Male, Maldives, Monday, Feb. 5, 2018.

The Maldives has entered a state of emergency.

President Abdulla Yameen made that declaration in the early hours of Tuesday morning local time, and in the hours since, two Supreme Court judges - of a total of four - have been arrested along with former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

According to Reuters, the situation in the Indian Ocean nation began when the Supreme Court ordered the release of nine opposition leaders, but Yameen refused to comply.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that, despite the declaration, there will be no curfew and that services and business "will not be affected."

There are also no restrictions on traveling to or from the popular holiday destination, and all transportation remains operational.

This is a developing story, click here for updates.