Maldives Commemorates Victory Day, Honouring Martyrs of 3 November 1988

A special flag hoisting and guard mounting ceremony was held at the Victory Monument on Sunday to mark Victory Day, with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha participating. The ceremonies, organised by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), served as a solemn national tribute to the martyrs who defended the country on 3 November 1988. 3 November is commemorated annually in the Maldives as a key national day, marking the nation's victory after repelling an attack launched on that date in 1988 by terrorists from the PLOTE, a rebel group based in Sri Lanka, led by a faction of Maldivian rebels. Against the sudden attack, soldiers of the then National Security Service (NSS), which formed the Maldivian military, along with loyal Maldivian citizens, fought with unwavering resolve. The steadfastness displayed during the incident is remembered as an unparalleled act in safeguarding national sovereignty. A total of 19 Maldivians lost their lives defending the nation during the attack, including Martyr Corporal Hussain Adam. Among them were 8 soldiers from the Maldivian military and 11 civilians. At the ceremony, their memories and noble sacrifices were renewed. With military assistance provided under "Operation Cactus," executed by Indian troops at the request of the Maldivian government, the rebels were defeated and captured while fleeing. The main objective of commemorating the day is to convey to future generations the importance of safeguarding the nation's independence and sovereignty, and to keep alive the memory of the martyrs who sacrificed themselves for the country.