Armed forces confirm 6 members of Malbatt team hurt in Lebanon blast

 

The Malaysian Armed Forces said the Malbatt team was travelling from Beirut to Marakah Camp when the explosion took place. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: 

The armed forces confirmed that six members of the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) were injured in an explosion near Saida Stadium in Lebanon yesterday.

A statement from the MAF headquarters said the incident occurred at 1.54pm local time (7.54pm in Malaysia) while the Malbatt 850-12 team was travelling from Beirut to Marakah Camp.

It said the explosion targeted a civilian vehicle heading to Beirut but also caused damage to a bus transporting Malbatt personnel.

“The incident left six members of the Malbatt team injured. Five members from Malbatt 850-12 suffered minor injuries, including one who sustained a suspected fracture to the left arm.

“Another member from Malbatt 850-11 also sustained minor injuries,” the statement said.

It said the armed forces will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates from time to time.

“The MAF remains committed to the safety and well-being of its members as they carry out peacekeeping missions under the United Nations banner,” the statement added.

The first deployment of the Malbatt 850-12 team, consisting of 220 officers and members of other ranks, began on Wednesday and will continue in stages until Nov 18 as part of their UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. - FMT