Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has stated that foreign forces are not present in the Maldives and that the national security services are in complete control of all areas and military assets in the country.
Speaking to PSM News, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Abdulla Shamaal said the MNDF always conducts military exercises with other countries in accordance with the government's foreign policy. As such, he said that joint military training and operations are conducted to increase operational capabilities.
Additionally, Lieutenant General Shamaal said that India has always provided assistance to the Maldives military in terms of facilitating training opportunities and conducting joint operations. He noted that India has donated military assets, including a coastguard helicopter in 2011, a navy helicopter in 2016, Dornier aircraft in 2019, and vessels. He said that the military assets are used to transport sick people and assist stranded vessels as well as for various humanitarian situations. He added that the operation of the aircraft and vessels is in complete control of the MNDF.
Also speaking to PSM News, Vice Chief of Defence Force Major General Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef said that the MNDF has always conducted joint operations and exercises with other countries. He also said that no foreign forces are operating in the Maldives and that the only foreign personnel are those operating the donated helicopter and Dornier aircraft. He assured that the military service remains firm in maintaining the sovereignty of the country.
Furthermore, Major General Wais Waheed said the Maldives has several military training centres and that they do not have any foreign personnel. He said that the military officers are trained by capable Maldivian inspectors. He also said that joint exercises with other countries are approved through the relevant diplomatic channels.
Moreover, Major General Hamid Shafeeq said that the Maldives military conducts various logistical training exercises with other countries. He, however, said that they do not involve foreign forces playing a military role inside the Maldives.
Coastguard Commandant Colonel Ibrahim Hilmy highlighted the large ocean territory of the Maldives and said that the coastguard works hard to conduct its various operations. He said that the aircraft and vessels donated by India have greatly increased the coastguard's capabilities in responding to emergency situations such as medical evacuations and search and rescue operations. He added that the aircraft and vessels are piloted by Maldivian military officers.
Surgeon General of MNDF Brigadier General Dr. Ali Shahid Mohamed said that Indian military medical officers working at the Senahiya Military Hospital in 2012 and that their only role is that of a medical doctor. He detailed that they are registered and only attend to patients, noting that medical officers from other countries are also working at the hospital and come into the country on a yearly basis for specific medical purposes.
Male' Area Commander Brigadier General Ahmed Ghiyas assured that no foreign forces are stationed in Male' or any other area. He also affirmed his commitment to personally respond to any situation concerning the country's sovereignty. In addition, Brigadier General Abdulla Zuhuree, the Director General of the Defence Intelligence Service, said that the facility gathers information about various foreign parties in the Maldives and submits it to the relevant state agencies. The MNDF leadership has affirmed that the country remains sovereign and vowed to respond to any situation that undermines national independence and sovereignty.