A stray bullet shot at the Girifushi Training Centre of the MNDF grazed a tourist onboard a safari docked in the vicinity of the island.
The incident took place on Wednesday afternoon, after which the 41-year-old German visitor was brought to Hulhumale’s Tree Top Hospital for treatment. In the incident, fortunately, he did not sustain serious injuries. The bullet ricocheted off its initial target, losing energy and missing sensitive areas on the victim.
A statement released by MNDF confirmed that live round training was required, but the security of the area’s travelers was more imperative.
MNDF stopped training with live rounds after the occurrence on Wednesday, even though daily training exercises at the base use live rounds.
Major Ibrahim Azim, spokesperson of the MNDF, confirmed that the matter is under review, adding that live-round training will only commence after the requisite changes have been made to ascertain that such events will never arise again.
“We will bring any necessary changes to the way we currently operate”, Azim said.
MNDF training is also taking place in Maafilaafushi, Lhaviyani Atoll, in addition to Girifushi. Whereas live rounds are also used in Maafilaafushi, for their shooting training, most of the military personnel operating in Malé’s capital regularly travel to Girifushi.
