The Grand Order of Military Honor (GOMH) has been conferred upon Major General (Retired) Moosa Ali Jaleel.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu conferred the esteemed Grand Order of Military Honor upon Jaleel on Sunday.

The honor was presented during the ceremony held to mark Victory Day.

The award recognizes his distinguished service to national security and significant contributions to safeguarding the sovereignty of the Maldives.

President Muizzu conferred the Grand Order of Military Honor under the powers vested to him as per Article 115 of the Constitution of Maldives, in accordance with the Maldives Honor Act.

The Maldivian leader delivered an address at the ceremony, before conferring the Grand Order of Military Honor upon Jaleel.

Jaleel played a vital role in safeguarding the island nation during the terrorist attack on 3 November 1988.

He held multiple leadership roles in the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) since joining the defence force as a Lance Corporal on 3 July 1980, up until his retirement on 12 February 2012.

He served as Chief of Defence Force during his tenure, from 6 November 2008 to 9 February 2012.

Jaleel was at MNDF headquarters during the attack on 3 November 1988 and was one of the first officers to actively engage in combat with the terrorists as Task Force Commander of the Infantry Unit. He requested permission to leave the military headquarters to confront them directly.

Jaleel received nine service ribbons and eleven medals in recognition of his courage, throughout his 31 years of service.

These include the Presidential Ribbon, Defence Force Service Ribbon, Long Service Ribbon, Dedicated Service Ribbon, Special Duty Ribbon, two Achievement Ribbons, and two Good Conduct Ribbons.

His medals include the Presidential Medal, Defence Force Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Medal for Exceptional Bravery (Huravee Ran Medal), Dedicated Service Medal, Purple Heart (Jihaadhuge Raiy Medal), Long Service Medal, 3 November Medal, and the Centenary Medal.

Jaleel has served as the Minister of Defence and National Security and as the High Commissioner of Maldives to Pakistan, since his honorable retirement from the military in 2012.