Journalists have attempted to enter Uthuru Thila Falhu without the permission of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
In a press release, MNDF noted that the government recently designated a part of Uthuru Thila Falhu called Giraavaru Uthuru Falhu for the development of residential housing. The defence force, however, stated that the journalists from Dhiyares Media illegally entered the military controlled part of the area by speedboat, took pictures and videos, and attempted to land on the island.
MNDF highlighted that journalists were earlier invited to tour the harbour development of the naval dockyard in Uthuru Thila Falhu and condemned attempts to enter the area without permission. The defence force stated that it has the responsibility and authority to stop anyone who attempts to trespass in military zones.
As such, MNDF stated that such incidents are taken seriously and that military personnel in all parts of the world are allowed to use force to stop attempts to trespass in military zones. The defence force also stated that the relevant authorities will be notified to take action against the journalists due to the serious nature of their actions.