Minister of Defence and National Security, Mariya Ahmed Didi has said that it is no longer possible for terrorists to invade the Maldives as they did on 3 November 1988.

Speaking on Raajje TV, the Defence Minister said that the terrorists launched a surprise attack in '88 but the modern Maldivian military stronger than before and cannot be surprised with such an attack.

She said that the world today is constantly vigilant of transnational terrorism and since 9/11, information sharing between the nations have increased.

Highlighting the modern changes to the Maldivian military, Minister Mariya said that military vessels now have tracking devices and through them, the Coast Guard can monitor naval activity within the Maldivian borders.

She said that there are radars installed at ten locations identifying the main channels in to the Maldivian territory and the the Coast Guard is connected to the major maritime fusions.

"Our Coast Guard personnel are at the India's fusion center. That is the region's largest maritime fusion center. There is a Coast Guard officer there 24 hours monitoring the sea in the area and provide information to the Coast Guard in real time." Minister Mariya said.

Furthermore, she said that the Maldivian Coast Guard has increased patrols and conduct joint patrols with other countries via air and sea.

She said that there will not be a situation as on 3 November where officers were unable to leave the Defence Command since there are three area commands in the form of North, Southern and Central Command capable of providing assistance to one another.

The Defence Minister said that the Maldivian military has also improved in terms of arms with special forces established for various elements along with a Special Operations Force working specifically in anti-terrorism with special training.