Major General Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef has been appointed as the Chief of Defence Force.

Newly inaugurated President, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu made the appointment as the Commander-in-Chief of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), on Friday evening.

The appointment comes following the retirement of Lieutenant General Abdulla Shamaal who served as the former Chief of Defence Force.

Major General Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef received his Letter of Appointment during a ceremony held at the President’s Office on Friday.

The appointment was made at the state minister’s level.

Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef began his service in the armed forces on 18 February 1985 and was the recipient of the President’s Special Award, back in 1989. He was also awarded the National Award Service back in 2021.

The new Chief of Defence Force has made several contributions to strengthen the intelligence sector of the armed forces and his key roles include security work at the SAARC Summit, efforts to repair the damage caused by the 2004 Tsunami as well as work on the Covid-19 facility and work to construct the Memorial for Victory Day.

Some of the senior positions he filled include Vice Chief of Defence Force, Southern Area Commander and Commandant at Senahiya Military Hospital. In addition to having served as the Chairman of the Welfare Board, Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef has also served as Chairperson of the MNDF Grievance Board and Spokesperson of MNDF.