KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 2 – Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said on Wednesday that the Malaysian peacekeeping battalion (MALBATT) 850-11 stationed in southern Lebanon is safe, with no damage to assets reported.
He said that all peackeeping forces under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), including MALBATT 850-11, have been instructed not to conduct patrols or logistical movements and to remain in their respective deployments amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
“Considering the safety of personnel, UNIFIL Headquarters has activated bunker drills as per set procedures until the situation is under control.
“Any plans for the withdrawal of officers and personnel of MALBATT 850-11 back to Malaysia are subject to UNIFIL’s approval based on the security level and threats in the operational area,” he said in a statement.
Mohamed Khaled added that the Ministry of Defence and the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) will continue to monitor the situation in southern Lebanon and provide updates on developments concerning MALBATT 850-11.
Since Sept 23, Israeli forces have launched unprecedented airstrikes on Lebanon.
