Operation Cactus

Maldives, a country located in the Indian Ocean and also the Asia's smallest country got its independence from British in 1965. On 11 November 1978, the republic got its 3rd President - Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. During his tenure till 2008, he faced three coup d'état attempts in 1980, 1983 and 1988. The first two attempts in 1980 and 1983 were not taken seriously but the third time Indian forces had to come for the government's rescue.

On 3 November 1988, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom faced third attempted coup. The coup was carried out by Sri Lankan Tamil Militants - the Peoples Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE) - on behalf of the Maldivian businessman Abdulla Luthufi. PLOTE was a rival faction of LTTE in Sri Lanka. PLOTE members hijacked a Sri Lankan freighter and reached the capital city - Male.

Armed men of PLOTE took control of ports, major government buildings, radio stations. President Gayoom who was residing in the Presidential Palace was escorted by Maldivian forces and National Security Advisor before mercenaries could arrive. President was taken to the Defense Minister's house and then to a safe house.  Mercenaries then captured the Presidential Palace and Education Minister was made hostage.

President Gayoom asked for help in form of Military intervention from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Singapore, USA, UK. Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Singapore denied any help citing lack of military capabilities. USA told them that it would take around 2-3 days for the US forces to reach Maldives. United Kingdom then asked the President to contact India and seek their assistance. Indian government was contacted by the President and India readily agreed. After 16 hours of SOS, Indian forces were ready to start the military operation. 

The Indian troops landed at the Male International Airport on Hulhule Island within 9 hours of the SOS being sent. The operation was named because of coral cactus found in Maldives. The Male airfield was secured by the Indian paratroops and crossed over to Male by commandeered boats and rescued President Gayoom. Within hours, control over the Maldivian government and official buildings were restored. Some of the mercenaries fled towards Sri Lanka in hijacked freighter. INS Godavari and Betwa were dispatched to track them down and capture the mercenaries. 

The mission was a complete success and Indian forces helped Maldives to escape a coup. This mission got a lot of praise from global community. US President, Ronald Regan called this action as "a valuable contribution to regional stability". India then handed over the captured mercenaries to Maldives, whose death sentence were commuted to life imprisonment by President Gayoom under Indian pressure. Maldives' ex-president Ibrahim Nasir was also accused but he refused any kind of involvement in the coup. In 1990, President Gayoom officially pardoned him. This mission also made ties between India and Maldives stronger.

Join Telegram group here : telegram.me/QrioSum