Foreign vessel detained after illegal entry into Maldives

Coast Guard has detained a foreign vessel that had illegally entered Maldivian waters, following its location by Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) drones.

MNDF stated that the vessel was located during an operation by the MNDF Air Corps and Coast Guard, which were conducting surveillance of the northern waters of Maldives. The vessel has since been intercepted and is now in Coast Guard custody.

Military drones were first used in Maldives in March this year. Acquired through a significant concession from the Turkish government, the Maldivian government purchased three drones at its own expense. These drones are currently based at Noonu Maafaru Airport.

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has submitted a request to summon Minister of Defence Ghassan Maumoon to Parliament to address inquiries regarding the use of the three military drones for patrolling the Maldives' economic zone.