The Chief of Defence Force, Major General Ibrahim Hilmy has lauded President Dr Mohamed Muizzu as a leader deeply committed to strengthening the Maldivian armed forces and honouring the sacrifices of its soldiers.
Speaking at the opening of the Victory Day military parade at the Republic Square on Monday, Major General Hilmy highlighted the President Dr Muizzu's unwavering efforts to enhance military capacity and his instrumental role in revitalising the nation's Victory Day celebrations.
During his address, Hilmy paid tribute to the noble sacrifice made by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) on 3 November 1988, saving the country from the coup attempt, which he said was a religious and national service that will be forever remembered.
He specifically credited President Dr Muizzu for transforming Victory Day commemorations, from a rather muted celebration into a vibrant and the most grandly celebrated national holiday in the country, which he said underscored the President's profound appreciation for MNDF’s invaluable service.
"He is a leader who appreciates the noble sacrifice of the army. He appreciates those who were martyred to defend the independence of this country," Hilmy said, emphasising President Dr Muizzu's personal reverence for the military.
He also extended gratitude, on behalf of the soldiers, their families, and the people of the Maldives, to President Dr Muizzu for his dedication to ensuring MNDF’s robust capability to defend the nation.
Drawing a key lesson from the 3 November 1988 attack, Major General Hilmy stressed the critical importance of maintaining a capable military force always ready to defend the independence and sovereignty of the country.
He affirmed that President Dr Muizzu is driving unprecedented development and progress within MNDF, with the noble aim of safeguarding the Maldives’ sovereign independence, actively pushing for significant advancements in this regard.
The Victory Day military parade itself served as a testament to these burgeoning capabilities, featuring a showcase of the MNDF’s latest air, sea, and land assets, including aerial drones, marine vessels, and armored vehicles.
Victory Day, observed annually on 3 November, marks the day in 1988 when six traitors colluded with foreign mercenaries in an attempt to seize control of the Maldives. Nineteen Maldivians were martyred in the attack, including eight soldiers and eleven civilians.