Malaysian Malbatt Troops Safe After Israeli Airstrike Near UN Peacekeeping Post in Southern Lebanon
PETALING JAYA, March 13 — All members of the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) 850-13 deployed in southern Lebanon were reported safe following an airstrike carried out by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) early this morning.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the attack occurred at approximately 2.35am local time, about 100 to 200 metres from the Malaysian peacekeepers’ position at a security post.
He explained that the strike was believed to have targeted a bridge crossing the Litani River, located near the operational area of the Malaysian contingent serving under the United Nations peacekeeping mission.
Second Strike Damages Facilities
According to Mohamed Khaled, a second strike was reported at around 3.02am, which resulted in damage to several facilities and living quarters within the control post area.
However, he confirmed that all personnel stationed at the post were safely evacuated before the situation escalated.
At the time of the incident, one officer and eight other personnel were present at the location and were instructed by the Malbatt Tactical Operations Centre (TOC) to withdraw immediately as a precautionary safety measure.
The withdrawal order was issued to minimise potential risks to the personnel deployed in the area.
Weapons and Equipment Remain Secure
The defence minister also confirmed that all weapons and military equipment belonging to the Malaysian contingent remain secure and undamaged.
Medical officers have conducted health assessments on all personnel involved to ensure they remain in good condition following the incident.
Mohamed Khaled said the checks were carried out to confirm that the troops remain physically fit and ready to continue carrying out their peacekeeping duties.
Government Monitoring the Situation
He stressed that the safety of Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) personnel deployed on overseas peacekeeping missions remains a top priority for the government.
The Ministry of Defence, through the Joint Forces Headquarters, will continue to closely monitor developments in the operational area.
At the same time, Malaysia will maintain close cooperation with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) as well as other international peacekeeping partners to ensure the safety of Malaysian personnel.
Such coordination is crucial for monitoring developments in conflict zones and enabling swift action when security risks arise.
Malaysia’s Role in Global Peacekeeping
Malaysia has been actively involved in UN peacekeeping operations in Lebanon for many years through the deployment of Malbatt contingents.
The Malaysian troops are tasked with helping maintain stability and monitoring security conditions in southern Lebanon, a region that frequently experiences geopolitical tensions.
The government reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to supporting international peacekeeping efforts while ensuring the welfare and safety of its troops serving abroad remain fully protected.
-wilayah.com.my
