The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has held a flag hoisting ceremony on the occasion of its 132nd anniversary.
Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, inaugurated the flag hoisting ceremony and announced this year’s slogan for MNDF at the ceremony, which is The Country's Independence-Soldiers Perseverance. The defence minister also launched the 34th issue of the bi-annual magazine Addana.
Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmee was in attendance at the ceremony, including general MNDF officers, warrant officers and enlisted ranked officers. Flag hoisting ceremonies were held in all area commands of the country.
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.