US military aircraft makes two-day stop in Maldives

Apr 21, 2025, 11:29 AM
US military aircraft makes two-day stop in Maldives

A US military plane has spent two days at the Velana International Airport (VIA) in the Maldives.

The US military Beechcraft UC-12F Huron aircraft arrived in the Maldives on April 9 from Colombo.

It left VIA on April 11 and travelled to the Mahé island in the Seychelles.

Since then, the aircraft has made stops in Kenya, Ethiopia, Yemen, Bahrain, Cyprus and Italy.

Many of these countries have US military bases or are US military allies. It is unclear why the Maldives should be on such a list.

The small aircraft is usually used for passenger and cargo transportation and medical evacuations. It is also used to carry senior US military Marine Corps and Navy officials.

However, neither the US Embassy in the Maldives nor the Maldives government has clarified the reason for its stop or the purpose of its two-day trip.

Comments

Read More

Latest News

MDP to stage protests if referendum is not held on Rasmale' deal

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has passed a resolution to launch mass protests if the government does not hold a public referendum regarding the Rasmalé project. The opposition demands a halt to the project, citing concerns over secret financing and the potential sale of the site to a foreign businessman.

Nasheed announces full support for Rasmale' project

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has declared his full support for the government's plan to sell part of the Rasmalé project to a UAE businessman. Despite opposition within the MDP calling for a public referendum, Nasheed argues the investment will yield long-term benefits for the Maldives. He remains the sole party member against the move.

Chinese Ambassador applauds Muizzu's successful Pakistan trip

Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua praised President Muizzu’s successful state visit to Pakistan, where 20 agreements were signed to boost bilateral trade. The meeting between Chinese and Pakistani officials highlights strengthening ties, which India is monitoring closely given the regional dynamics and its own financial support to the Maldives.

Defence Minister visits the UAE embassy

Defence Minister Hassan Rasheed met with UAE Chargé d'Affaires Heba Al Jneibi to discuss strengthening bilateral ties. The visit follows controversy over a deal to sell 500 hectares of the Rasmalé reclamation project to UAE-based Eagle Hills. This move contradicts President Muizzu’s earlier pledge to keep the land under local ownership.

Commission formed to investigate the alleged sale of territory

President Muizzu has formed a commission to investigate the alleged sale of Maldivian maritime territory during a boundary dispute with the Chagos Archipelago. The inquiry will examine potential legal negligence by the previous administration and recommend actions against those responsible to prevent future occurrences.

Boating Association demands probe over diver altercation

The National Boating Association of Maldives has called for a formal probe into a viral video showing an underwater physical struggle between two diving teams. The NBAM condemned the incident and urged authorities to investigate the ownership and regulatory compliance of the vessels involved to protect the industry's reputation.

Five injured after gas cylinder explosion at Hulhumale’ cafe

Five people were injured, with four hospitalized, after a gas cylinder exploded at a cafe in Hulhumale' Phase 1. Emergency teams responded to the resulting fire near the Ruhgandu 1 area. Police are currently investigating the cause of the blast.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox