Muizzu administration compromises national security by releasing drone footage and photographs of military headquarters to promote newly paved road
24 ޖުލައި 2026 | ހުކުރު 08:30The public has raised serious concerns over a potential national security breach following the circulation of drone footage capturing Male’s Green Zone and the military headquarters. Critics argue that disseminating such sensitive imagery violates the Maldives National Defence Force Act, and there are growing calls for a formal investigation into the incident.
A drone photo captured showing the military headquarters. | One online
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration has released aerial photographs and video footage showcasing the newly developed section of Boduthakurufaanu Magu in Malé. The promotional material includes views captured from above Bandaara Koshi, the headquarters of the Maldives National Defence Force.
These photos and videos were released by MTCC, as well as several pro-government media outlets.
Publicly released photos and videos provide a comprehensive aerial view of Malé’s Green Zone, clearly showing the military headquarters at Bandaara Koshi, the police headquarters at Shaheed Hussain Adam Building, the President’s Office, the People’s Majlis, and the official presidential residence, Mulee’aage.
Drone photographs captured showing the military headquarters.
Drone photographs captured showing the military headquarters.
As this poses a significant threat to national security, signs have been posted outside the military headquarters (Bandaara Koshi) prohibiting photography. Furthermore, military personnel consistently restrict activities such as loitering for video recording or conducting journalistic interviews in the area surrounding the President's Office.
Despite the 24-hour military surveillance in the area, the use of drones to capture such photos and videos to promote a road paved by this administration is not permitted under the Military Act.
Under the Military Act, drones may only be operated within the Green Zone and the Bandeyri Koge area under special authorization and military supervision. Furthermore, it is strictly prohibited to capture or publish photographs and videos of any high-security buildings located within the Green Zone.
The Green Zone is a high-security precinct in Male' encompassing the President's Office, where public activities and gatherings are restricted to maintain specialized safety and security protocols.
However, following the circulation of these photos and videos, there have been widespread public calls for an investigation into the matter. Many have criticized the current administration, alleging that it has politicized the military.
