Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has stated the 53rd surveillance patrol operation run jointly by the Maldivian and Indian military has been largely successful.
The purpose of the exercise run since 2009 is to conduct surveillance in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Maldives in efforts to prevent illegal entry of vessels into Maldivian waters. MNDF said the operation has enabled the military to monitor and avert several vessels from entering the EEZ.
MNDF said the majority of vessels that enter the Maldivian waters are fishing boats from neighbouring countries. MNDF added air surveillance has been more effective than the sea patrol operations.
The surveillance operations by MNDF continue on various regions of the country.