November 3, 1988: A Day that Defined Maldivian Bravery

On November 3, 1988, around 80 Sri Lankan Tamil mercenaries from PLOTE, aided by Maldivian rebels, attempted a coup in Malé. They seized key installations but failed to capture President Gayoom. Maldivian NSS troops defended NSS headquarters heroically. India launched Operation Cactus, deploying 1,600 paratroopers who secured the airport and helped restore order by next day. The coup was foiled, and Maldives' sovereignty defended. The article details the bravery of Maldivian defenders and India's swift response.

On November 3, 1988, around 80 Sri Lankan Tamil mercenaries from PLOTE, aided by Maldivian rebels, attempted a coup in Malé. They seized key installations but failed to capture President Gayoom. Maldivian NSS troops defended NSS headquarters heroically. India launched Operation Cactus, deploying 1,600 paratroopers who secured the airport and helped restore order by next day. The coup was foiled, and Maldives' sovereignty defended. The article details the bravery of Maldivian defenders and India's swift response.

On November 3, 1988, around 80 Sri Lankan Tamil mercenaries from PLOTE, aided by Maldivian rebels, attempted a coup in Malé. They seized key installations but failed to capture President Gayoom. Maldivian NSS troops defended NSS headquarters heroically. India launched Operation Cactus, deploying 1,600 paratroopers who secured the airport and helped restore order by next day. The coup was foiled, and Maldives' sovereignty defended. The article details the bravery of Maldivian defenders and India's swift response.

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