The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard has successfully taken into custody two Sri Lankan fishing vessels that were operating illegally within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Maldives. The MNDF reported that these vessels were apprehended during a surveillance operation conducted jointly by the MNDF Coast Guard and the MNDF Air Corps. This operation was initiated based on intelligence gathered through information shared by regional partner nations. The two Sri Lankan vessels were intercepted and taken into custody by the MNDF Coast Guard at approximately 08:30 AM on December 17th, while operating about 51 nautical miles east of Haa Alifu Kelaa.
These two vessels have since been escorted to Kulhudhuffushi City harbour and handed over to the Maldives Police Service. The MNDF further confirmed that the Maldives Police Service is currently conducting an ongoing investigation into this incident.
