Threat of a coup with the assistance of mercenaries is still imminent- VP

Vice President Mohamed Waheed Deen has said that the threat of a coup with the assistance of foreign mercenaries is still imminent.

Vice President Deen made this remark in response to a question raised by Miadhu Daily regarding the thoughts of the Vice President on whether the political rivalry in the country today might lead to a rebellion against the government with the help of foreign mercenaries similar to what happened in the history of the nation four times.

Vice President said that it is known that some people called the army to join forces with them in the events of the transfer of power last year. “From what we have heard some things like that happened. Therefore, I’d say that this threat will always be there,” he said.

Deen underscored the importance of strengthening the defence force so as to be prepared in case of such a event. He said that the defence force should be capable of confronting and defeating such people in the event of such an attack. He said that the defence force should be given an adequate budget to meet this demand.

The Vice President said that no one should think that such an attack might not happen. “The threat exists. It will be there always. And especially now it is more imminent given the current situation of the country,” he said.