The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) possesses the full capability to monitor and protect the nation's territory, and an aggression similar to the November 3, 1988 attack can no longer be carried out against the country, Defence Minister Hassan Rasheed said last night.
He made these remarks during the "Ahaa" forum broadcast by state broadcaster PSM, in response to a question regarding the military's level of preparedness against potential foreign incursions into Maldivian territory.
"We experienced the terrorist attack in the Maldives on November 3, 1988. I can say with confidence that such an attack can no longer be executed today," he said.
The Minister noted that while the Maldivian military remains in a constant state of readiness, he acknowledged that the force had previously faced a shortage of resources.
However, Hassan Rasheed highlighted that under the current administration's efforts to rectify this, more assets have been acquired. These include naval vessels gifted by the governments of Turkey and Australia, as well as high-tech drones and patrol boats.
"All these resources are being established to ensure the safety and security of the Maldives, specifically to monitor our maritime territory. We are also conducting operations using our aerial assets to the extent of our capabilities, and we continue to advance as more resources are integrated," the Minister explained.
Despite these advancements, Hassan Rasheed pointed out that no country can be considered one hundred percent secure. To illustrate this, he cited the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States over two decades ago, noting that the U.S. is widely regarded as one of the most secure nations in the world.
The Defence Minister concluded by reassuring the public that the Maldivian military remains vigilant and prepared to defend the nation's sovereignty by sea and air.
In the most harrowing attack in the country’s recent history, a group of Tamil mercenaries, acting in collusion with a group of Maldivians, attempted to seize control of the nation on November 3, 1988, resulting in the martyrdom of 19 Maldivians.
