Maldives rejects requests to use its airspace for military strikes
Khaleel said the government is preparing for possible effects on transport routes used by tourists and cargo shipments.
Maldives has rejected requests from certain parties seeking permission to use its airspace for military strikes during the conflict in the Middle East, Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel said on Thursday.
Regional tensions have increased following retaliatory strikes by Iran against United States military bases in the Middle East. The strikes followed operations carried out by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets.
The government has established a cabinet committee to assess the economic and security impact of the conflict on the Maldives.
Speaking at a press conference, Khaleel said Maldivian airspace has not been used to conduct attacks against another country.
“I would like to inform you that we are rejecting such requests. We will not permit any country to use Maldivian airspace for such purposes,” he said.
The minister added that the government is also exploring alternative markets to address potential disruptions to fuel supplies, food imports and tourism routes.
Khaleel said the government is preparing for possible effects on transport routes used by tourists and cargo shipments.
Although the minister confirmed that requests had been made to use Maldivian airspace for military action, he did not identify the countries involved.
