VP: Youths should acquire technical skills necessary to tackle hybrid warfare

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has emphasized the importance of youths acquiring technical skills to tackle hybrid warfare, citing modern warfare and the destruction of nations increasingly involves the use of hybrid weapons, tactics, strategies, and skills.

He made the remark while speaking at the ceremony marking Huravee Day on Wednesday evening.

The Vice President said modern warfare and the destruction of nations increasingly involve the use of hybrid weapons, tactics, strategies, and skills, thus, emphasized the importance of preventing such threats.

In this trajectory, he urged youths to remain vigilant and acquire the technical knowledge required to tackle these challenges effectively alongside courage, determination and resolve to master modern tactics and skills.

VP Latheef described intellectual warfare as a prolonged assault on the social fabric of the nation which undermines social cohesion and economic stability over time. He explained that the deep wounds inflicted by such attacks could divide the country, weaken national unity, and erode trust among citizens, thereby threatening the national interest.

The Vice President said today's generations should set an example for the future. He suggested achieving this by honoring the sacrifices of past heroes, such as Dhonban’daarain. He also encouraged the youth to actively support the Government’s initiatives aimed at equipping them with technical skills to achieve the nation's development goals.

On this note, he said the Government’s top priority is safeguarding the nation’s interests and individual freedoms. While there are rapid advancements in technology and the growing influence of artificial intelligence – the Vice President said efforts to strengthen cybersecurity are being undertaken with technical support from relevant authorities.

He underscored the need for further measures to counter hybrid warfare and in this trajectory, highlighted the importance of cybersecurity training, teaching techniques for identifying threats, and combating disinformation in its various forms, which have become critical priorities.

Speaking further, VP Latheef reflected on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s foresight while commending the President for fostering cooperation with relevant parties, friendly nations, and national stakeholders in the nation's interest. He also praised efforts to enhance military capacity and strengthen internal security.

He added that the President is committed to prioritizing development, civilization, social security, public health, and nation-building. These efforts, he said, have elevated the nation’s pride and prestige on the global stage. Thus, he expressed sincere gratitude for the President’s dedication and hard work.

The Vice President concluded his address with a prayer to Almighty Allah, asking for mercy upon the national heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country and for continued victory and success for the nation.