Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed led the nation in observing Victory Day with a solemn flag-hoisting and guard-mounting ceremony held this morning at the Victory Day Monument in Malé.

Upon arrival, the President and First Lady were received by Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon.

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Cabinet Ministers, and senior government officials attended the event, reflecting national unity and remembrance.

The day’s official observances began with early morning Fajr prayers held in congregation, marking a moment of collective reflection and gratitude.

During the ceremony, eight flags were raised each representing one of the eight fallen soldiers who lost their lives in the 1988 attack.

A moment of silence was observed in honour of the martyrs, followed by a seven-gun salute.

The event concluded with a special prayer and the rendition of the official Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) song.

Victory Day, observed annually on 3 November, commemorates the day six traitors colluded with foreign mercenaries in an attempt to overthrow the Maldivian government.

Nineteen Maldivians were martyred in the attack, including eight soldiers and eleven civilians.

Located in the southwest corner of the army headquarters, the November 3 Memorial stands as a lasting tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation.

The site has hosted the annual flag-raising and guard-mounting ceremony each Victory Day since its establishment.