The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has held a flag hoisting ceremony on the occasion of its 131st anniversary.
Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi inaugurated the flag hoisting ceremony and announced this year’s slogan for MNDF at the ceremony, which is Strength of the Army - Peace of the Nation. The defence minister also launched the 33rd issue of the bi-annual magazine Addana.
Chief of Defense Force Major General Abdulla Shamaal and Vice Chief of Defence Force Brigadier General Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef was in attendance at the ceremony, including general MNDF officers and unit commanders.
MNDF was established in the Maldives on April 21, 1892. MNDF faced the biggest challenge in 1988 when defending the country against a coup attempt supported by armed mercenaries of a Tamil secessionist group from Sri Lanka. Since then, MNDF has expanded its reach by establishing military bases across the country and improving logistical capabilities and training methods.
The administration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has made significant improvements in the past three years by providing Maldivian military officers with opportunities to train in top military academies abroad as well as providing opportunities for female officers to climb the military ranks.