Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi has highlighted the prominent role played by the Aviation Security Command (AVSECOM) in maintaining national security. She made the remarks at the ceremony held to award promotions to officers of AVSECOM on March 19.
Speaking at the ceremony, Defence Minister Mariya said AVSECOM plays a crucial role in identifying and eliminating security threats faced by the country through aviation operations. As such, the minister noted AVSECOM is responsible to check every flight and passenger and cargo coming through all 18 airports across the country. She noted AVSECOM is therefore an essential institution in maintaining national security.
Speaking further, the defence minister highlighted new security threats faced by countries in the region as indicated by several recent incidents such as the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka and the terrorist attack in Male’ on May 6, 2021 targeting Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed. She added AVSECOM has a vital role to play in identifying such threats at early stages.
Furthermore, the defence minister noted AVSESOM officers had been waiting for a long time for their promotions since the institution was established in 2013. She thanked President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on behalf of AVSECOM officers for facilitating their promotions despite the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic.