Moosa Ali Jaleel

Moosa Ali Jaleel was born on 26 June 1960 in Malé, Maldives.^[1]

He completed his secondary schooling at Majeediyya School.^[1] After signing up for enlistment on 3 July 1980, he had completed extensive military service training. He had taken an officer cadet course at the SAFTI Military Institute, a nofficer basic course and an infantry officer advance course at the United States Army Infantry School at Fort Benning, an all arms commando course at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines, studied at the Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College, completed an executive course at the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies and at the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies, a defence resource management course at the Naval Postgraduate School, a senior officer logistic course in Bangladesh.^[1]

In 2005, Jaleel completed his Master of Philosophy and Master of Science in Defence and Strategic Studies at the University of Madras.^[1]

During the 1988 coup attempt, PLOTE mercenaries attacked the Bandaara Koshi (army headquarters).^[2] At the time, Jaleel was the commander of the infantry unit task force.^[2] He was injured in the leg after the mercenaries shot the police station. Jaleel helped to defend the army headquarters and volunteered to monitor the enemy movements.^[2] He had been called one of the greatest helpers during that battle.^[2]

Jaleel was appointed as the Chief of Defence Force by President Mohamed Nasheed on 18 November 2008 until 7 February 2012.^[3]

Jaleel retired from the Maldives National Defence Force on 9 February 2012.^[2]

On 3 April 2014, President Abdulla Yameen nominated Jaleel as the High Commissioner of the Maldives to Pakistan.^[4] He was later subsequently appointed as the Ambassador in May.^[5] He presented his letter of credence to President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain on 5 June 2014.^[6] He served until 19 January 2015.^[7]

On 20 January 2015, President Abdulla Yameen appointed Jaleel as the Minister of Defence and National Security.^[8]

Jaleel was charged with terrorism for the detention of Judge Abdulla Mohamed and was later acquitted.^[9]

Jaleel was dismissed as the Minister of Defence and National Security amid the 2015 Finifenmaa boat explosion.^[10]

In March 2023, the Anti-Corruption Commission sought to charge Jaleel for his alleged involvement in the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation scandal.^[11] Jaleel denied any involvement in the scandal.^[12]

In November 2024, President Mohamed Muizzu announced his intention to award Jaleel with the Grand Order of Military Honour.^[13] The honour acknowledges Jaleel's coverage and bravery shown in the 1988 coup attempt.^[13] President Muizzu later conferred it at a ceremony on Victory Day.^[14]

In December 2025, Jaleel was confirmed as a candidate for the People's National Congress in the Malé Mayoral elections.^[15] He was criticised by former president Abdulla Yameen, who called him a "sacrificial lamb" and that he's already failed if he follows President Muizzu's footsteps.^[16][17] He later lost to Adam Azim.^[18]

Major General Jaleel is one of the most decorated officers within the Maldives National Defence Force, with 10 service medals and 9 service ribbons for his leadership and service in the defence force.

Source:^[19][14]

National Honours

• Grand Order of Military Honour (GOMH)

Service Medal decorations

• The Presidential Medal
• The Defence Force Service Medal
• The Distinguished Service Medal
• The Good Conduct Medal
• The Medal for Exceptional Bravery (Huravee Ran Medal)
• The Dedicated Service Medal
• The Purple Heart (Jihaadhuge Raiy Medal)
• The Long Service Medal
• 3 November Medal
• The Centenary Medal

Service Ribbon decorations

• Presidential Ribbon
• Defence Force Service Ribbon
• Long Service Ribbon
• Dedicated Service Ribbon
• Special Duty Ribbon
• Achievement Ribbon (Twice)
• Good Conduct Ribbon (Twice)