Maldives National Defence Force is the national military responsible for defending the security and sovereignty of the Maldives. It is primarily responsible per the constitution to defend and protect the Republic, its territorial integrity, its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and the people. Its branches include the Maldivian Coast Guard, the MNDF Marine Corps, and MNDF Air Corps.
Black Friday, August 13, 2004, was the crackdown by the Maldivian National Security Service (NSS) — later Maldivian National Defence Force — on a peaceful protest in the capital city of Maldives, Malé. This unplanned and unorganized demonstration was the largest such protest in the country's history. Beginning on the evening of August 12, 2004, the demonstration grew and continued until it was forcefully ended on the afternoon of August 13, 2004. Protesters initially demanding the freeing of the pro-reformists arrested on the afternoon of August 12, 2004. As the protest continued to grow, people demanded the resignation of president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who had been in power since 1978. What started as a peaceful demonstration ended after 22 hours, as the country's darkest day in recent history. Several people were severely injured as NSS personnel used riot batons and teargas on unarmed civilians.
Major General (Retired) Mohamed Zahir is a former Chief of Defence Force of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the National Security Advisor of the Maldives.
The Maldivian Coast Guard is the naval or maritime arm of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). Because the Maldives does not have a navy, the MNDF Coast Guard functions as the armed maritime force of the nation with a charter to contribute to national defence and by and large to respond to issues related to the maritime security of the nation. Therefore, the Coast Guard is documented as the custodian of the Maldives Maritime Domain. Maritime security is a constituent ingredient of the national security in a maritime nation such as the Maldives and its significance is best understood when one perceives the island or the archipelagic nature of the country.
The Commando Regiment is the commando formation of the Sri Lanka Army. The unit specializes in various roles including hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, unconventional warfare, special reconnaissance, counter-insurgency, and personnel recovery. It was formed in 1980 and is based in Ganemulla, a suburb of Colombo.
Lieutenant General (retd) Abdulla Shamaal MA MSc ndu psc is the former Chief of Defence Force (CDF) of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). General Shamaal was appointed to the post of Chief of Defence Force on 11 December 2018 by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and served until 17 November 2023. Shamaal was trained in various military institutions such as the United States Army Infantry School in Fort Benning, the Pakistan Military Academy and the Defence Services Staff College in India. Shamaal was previously discharged from service in November 2013 but was reinstated in December 2018 following High Court verdict that his discharge was unlawful. He has also held various Senior Command, Staff and Instructional appointments during his career.
Brigadier General Ahmed Mohamed was the Vice Chief of Defence Force of the Maldives National Defence Force. He was appointed to this post on 4 March 2012. Brigadier General Ahmed Mohamed was born on 9 July 1964 in the island of Maroshi, Shaviyani Atoll.
On 25 March 1971, the Pakistani military, supported by paramilitary units, launched the military operation to pacify the insurgent-held areas of East Pakistan, which led to a prolonged conflict with the Bengali Mukti Bahini. Although conventional in nature during March–May 1971, it soon turned into a guerrilla insurgency from June of that year. Indian Army had not directly supported the Bengali resistance but had launched Operation Jackpot to support the insurgency from May 1971.
The Maldives Police Service is the civilian national police force of the Republic of Maldives. It is responsible for enforcing criminal and traffic law, enhancing public safety, maintaining order and keeping the peace throughout Maldives. The organization comes under the control of the Ministry of Homeland Security And Technology.
Maadhadu is an administrative division of Fuvahmulah, Maldives. With the changes it has encountered over time, this is today the smallest district in Fuvahmulah. Located in the center of the island the district shares borders with Diguvāndo, Hōdhado, Mālegan and Miskimmago.
Major General (Retd) Ahmed Shiyam was serving as the Chief of Defence Force of the Maldives National Defence Force. He was appointed to this post on 9 February 2012.
The MNDF Marine Corps are frontline ground combat force of the Maldives National Defence Force, formed in 2006. The Marine Corps were established at various strategic locations and vulnerable areas to enhance the force projection to provide their services throughout the country. It is a lethal and a mobile force, with a high physical strength and combat capability.
Colonel (Rtd.) Mohamed Nazim is the former Minister of Defence and National Security of the Republic of Maldives and a politician. He is a founding member of Maldives National Party and currently the serving as the President of the party. He first became the Defense Minister on 8 February 2012 under the presidency of Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik. He last served as the Administrative Officer of the Integrated Headquarters of Maldives National Defense Force. He retired from active service on 15 January 2011.
Mariya Didi is a Maldivian barrister and politician who served as the Minister of Defense of the Maldives. After being the campaign manager for president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih during the 2018 elections, she was appointed the nation's first-ever female Minister of Defence.
Maj Gen Ian Deetlefs (Rtd) served in the South African Army's Reserve Force from 1965–2003. He became the first Chief of Defence Reserves of the South African National Defence Force in 1997. He retired from the SANDF in 2003 and was succeeded by Maj Gen R.C. Andersen.
The Ministry of Defence is the Maldivian government agency responsible for protecting the independence and the integrity of the Maldivian citizenry.
Lieutenant General (Rtd) Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef is a retired officer of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) who served as the Chief of Defence Force (CDF). He retired on 17th April 2024.
Major General Dalvir Singh AVSM, VrC, VSM is a retired Indian Special Forces officer, a former General Officer of the Indian Army and the recipient of Vir Chakra, India's third-highest War-time gallantry award. He has commanded the 10th Battalion Special Forces, the elite 52 Special Action Group of the NSG, Kilo Force of the Rashtriya Rifles and the Territorial Army (India), with distinction. After retirement from active military service, he has been serving as the Director Training of Rajasthan Police Training Center Jodhpur.
Ibrahim Hilmy is a Maldivian military officer who is currently serving as the Chief of Maldives National Defence Force since April 2024. He previously served as Vice Chief of Defence Force, under Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef.
The 3rd November Medal is a medal given to those who have shown bravery and excellence during the 1988 Maldives coup attempt.
