Moosa Ali Jaleel

Major General (Retired) Moosa Ali Jaleel (; born 26 June 1960) is a Maldivian retired military officer who served as the 3rd Chief of Defence Force of the Maldives National Defence Force from 18 November 2008 to 7 February 2012. Jaleel also held office as the Minister of Defence and National Security from January to October 2015 during the presidency of Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom. He was also the High Commissioner of the Maldives to Pakistan from 2014 to 2015.

Early life and education

Moosa Ali Jaleel was born on 26 June 1960 in Malé, Maldives.

He completed his secondary schooling at Majeediyya School. At the time, Jaleel was the commander of the infantry unit task force.

Jaleel retired from the Maldives National Defence Force on 9 February 2012. He was later subsequently appointed as the Ambassador in May. He presented his letter of credence to President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain on 5 June 2014. He served until 19 January 2015.

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

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

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

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

In November 2024, President Mohamed Muizzu announced his intention to award Jaleel with the Grand Order of Military Honour. The honour acknowledges Jaleel's coverage and bravery shown in the 1988 coup attempt.

In December 2025, Jaleel was confirmed as a candidate for the People's National Congress in the Malé Mayoral elections. 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. He later lost to Adam Azim.

Military decorations

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:

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)