Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), on Tuesday, revealed that two Indian military surveillance aircraft landed at Hanimaadhoo International Airport in Haa Dhaalu Atoll at approximately 1025 hrs.

According to MNDF's spokesperson Major Ibrahim Azim, the aircraft will remain at the airport till its scheduled departure on September 16.

He further noted that the aircraft were part of a series of joint inspections of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) between the two countries, conducted by the Maldivian Coast Guard, MNDF and India.

Hanimaadhoo Island Council's acting Secretary General Ibrahim Ali stated that the crew of roughly 15 Indian nationals will remain within the premises of the airport and will not enter the inhabited areas of the island.

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