Special celebrations for Victory Day commence with a large congregation for dawn prayer

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) commenced special activities to mark Victory Day on Tuesday, beginning with a large congregation for dawn prayers at the Islamic Centre.

President Muizzu joined the congregation for the Fajr prayer held earlier today. The congregation also included the Minister of Defence and National Security, Ghassan Maumoon; the Chief of Defence Force, Major General Ibrahim Hilmy; and the Vice Chief of Defence Force, Brigadier General Ahmed Ghiyas. They were joined by general officers, personnel of various ranks from the Maldives National Defence Force, and members of the general public.

Following the dawn prayer, a special prayer service was held at the Islamic Centre to honor the memory of the national heroes who fell during the mercenary attack on the Maldives on November 3, 1988.

November 3rd stands as one of the most somber yet proudest days in Maldivian history. It commemorates the courageous sacrifices made by the military and ordinary citizens to defend the nation and Islam against the violent terrorist aggression of November 3, 1988, when a group of Maldivian traitors conspired with foreign mercenaries to launch a deadly attack on the capital, Male'.

A total of 19 Maldivians—comprising eight soldiers and 11 civilians—lost their lives while defending the nation during this harrowing invasion. Victory Day is observed annually in the Maldives to commemorate the divine triumph bestowed upon the nation on that perilous day, and to honor the profound sacrifices made by the national heroes who stood for their country.