Maumoon and families of martyrs honored with Victory Day shields

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has presented commemorative shields to former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and the families of the 19 Maldivian citizens killed in 1988 in the deadliest terror attack in Maldives’ history.

The foiled attack of November 3, 1988, was orchestrated by a group of Maldivians with the aid of armed mercenaries from Tamil secessionist organization People's Liberation Organization of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE), in an attempt to overthrow then-President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s administration.

The attack killed 19 Maldivian citizens - eight soldiers and 11 civilians - and left scores more injured.

The shields honoring Maumoon and the 19 martyrs were presented on Monday morning during the Victory Day function held to commemorate Maldives’ success in foiling the deadly attack.

According to the President’s Office, the shields honors, at the national level, the courage, leadership, and invaluable contributions of Maumoon, as well as the heroism and sacrifice of the martyrs and their families.

This year's Victory Day celebrations began with Fajr prayers held in congregation at the Islamic Center.

Subsequently, the President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed attended the flag and guard mounting ceremony at the Victory Day Monument.