The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has revealed that the Coastguard will increase its capacity to monitor the new southern region. The statement was made by the Chief of Defence Force Major General Abdulla Shamaal after the Maldives received a majority share from the disputed territory near the Chagos Archipelago.
Speaking to PSM News, Major General Shamaal noted that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has vowed to increase the capabilities of the Coastguard to monitor the new region and that a new 50m offshore patrol vessel will be commissioned soon. He said that further changes will be implemented such as commissioning an unmanned area vehicle, strengthening surveillance, and establishing platforms.
Furthermore, Coastguard Commandant Colonel Ibrahim Hilmy said the demarcation of the southern region will enable the defence force to enhance the security of the area. He also said that it also allows authorities to provide clear guidance to fishermen regarding the boundary line and avoid the British inland ocean territory. He added that MNDF will monitor the southern region differently than the north, as the area has a more military presence.
The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) ruled that the Maldives should have a majority share of the disputed territory between the maritime boundary of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Maldives and the Chagos Archipelago. The government stated that the decision is favourable, as the tribunal ruled unanimously in favour of the Maldives on the claim of Mauritius to a continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles. The tribunal also supported the claim of the Maldives that Blenheim Reef cannot be used as a base point, resulting in the Maldives receiving 47,232sqkm of the overlapping area.