Maldives' Chief of Defence Force, Major General Abdulla Shamaal has denied the presence of armed foreign military personnel in the archipelago. 

Allegations that armed military personnel from India are active in the Maldives have been directed at the government and the defence forces. Denying the allegations, the Chief of Defence Force assured that Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) would uphold the constitution and protect the country’s independence. Although the defence force receives technical assistance from foreign military personnel, the country would not allow the presence of armed foregn military personnel in the Maldives, said Shamaal.

“There is no [foreign] military presence in the Maldives, there are no armed military members. However, we continue to receive support from technicians in a humanitarian capacity in providing humanitarian services,” said Major General Shamaal.

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