A large number of soldiers in riot gear were mobilised across the capital on Thursday night, with military trucks and tanks seen moving through various areas.
Troops carrying shields were seen leaving the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) headquarters at around 2200hrs on Thursday, ahead of a planned rally by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Friday night.
The reason for the military deployment remains unclear, and the MNDF has yet to issue a statement on the matter. While it is not confirmed whether the movement of troops is linked to the opposition rally, MDP activists have alleged that the deployment is an attempt by the Mohamed Muizzu administration to intimidate and discourage public participation.
The MDP has received the necessary approvals to hold the rally, but authorities have restricted access to several major roads, including Majeedhee Magu, the capital’s central thoroughfare.