President Muizzu Hails Soldiers' Courage on Nasr Day, Honors Martyrs of 1988 Victory

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said that the courage displayed and the noble jihad performed by Maldivian soldiers in maintaining the freedom of the Maldivian five-point flag are lessons from which we should draw inspiration. He made these remarks in a message sent via social media on the occasion of Nasr Day this year. The President's message conveyed congratulations and good wishes to the proud Maldivian soldiers and all loyal citizens on the occasion of the Maldives' Nasr Day. He also prayed for the lofty rewards of Paradise for those who sacrificed their lives in defense of this beloved nation. The President's message included a verse in honor of the martyrs: "From the recited verses comes gratitude, The sublime atmosphere of remembering the martyrs, Spreading tranquility with beautiful freedom as a trust, Sacrificing soul and life for this homeland." Nasr Day is a very important national day celebrated annually in the Maldives on November 3. This date refers to the notable and proud victory achieved by the Maldivian nation against an invasion launched into the country by terrorists from the Sri Lankan rebel group PLOTE, led by some Maldivian traitors on November 3, 1988. On that day, the Maldivian military, then known as NSS (National Security Service), and the Maldivian people fought a strong jihad with firmness against the sudden attack launched by the rebels. In this courageous jihad, 19 Maldivians, including Kidhaffushi martyr Hussain Adam, sacrificed their lives in defense of the nation. Among them were 8 soldiers and 11 civilians. During this invasion, military assistance was provided under the Indian Army's "Operation Cactus," at the request of the Maldivian government. With this assistance, the rebels were defeated and captured while fleeing. The main purpose of commemorating this day is to convey to future generations the importance of safeguarding the nation's independence and sovereignty, and to keep alive and preserve the sublime memory of the martyrs who sacrificed themselves for the country.