Defence Minister Mohamad Hasan urged members of the Malaysian armed forces headed to Southern Lebanon for a United Nations peacekeeping mission to get ready for “any eventuality”.
This is amid the worsening conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Lebanon neighbours Israel.
Mohamad was speaking at the beret donning-cum-flagging off ceremony for the first batch of Malbatt 850-11 soldiers who are leaving for Lebanon today from the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s airbase in Subang, Selangor.
Malbatt 850-11, led by Burhan Saguni, includes 854 Malaysian armed forces officers and personnel, 30 Brunei armed forces members, and a civilian staff from the Defence Ministry.
The group will replace Malbatt 850-10, who have served in Lebanon for the past year.
“The situation is now more challenging due to the Gaza conflict, where thousands of people have been killed, and scores of properties have been damaged.
“The safety situation will make the job of Malbatt 850-10 and Malbatt 850-11 harder,” Mohamad said, advising the troops to maintain their professionalism no matter the cost.
He also urged the troops to be neutral when carrying out their duty.
“Always follow the rules and procedures set, and be ready for any eventuality.”
Global recognition
Mohamad assured that amid the heightening tension in Gaza, members of Malbatt 850-10 are reportedly still safe in Southern Lebanon as their camps were not directly affected.
“Despite hearing and seeing explosions from the rockets that were fired and intercepted where it had led to them going to the bunkers to seek safety, our forces are not affected by the conflict.
“The peacekeepers’ camps of Tibnine and Maarakeh, which are situated 10 kilometres from each other, are in the 'Blue Line' which is defined by the Golan Heights, far from the conflicts," he told reporters at a press conference later, according to the New Straits Times.
The two camps are about 15km and 20km, respectively from the Blue Line, which serves as the de facto border between Lebanon and Israel.
They will also be escorted by peacekeepers in and out of Beirut International Airport, Mohamad said.
Malaysia sends troops on an annual rotation to Lebanon in November every year, as part of its involvement in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) which began in January 2007, in the wake of the 2006 Lebanon war.
The Malaysian contingent, known as Malbatt 850 (Malaysian Battalion 850), contributes 833 peacekeepers to the force as of Aug 30, which makes it the sixth largest contingent in Unifil.
Malbatt 850-11 would be the 11th group to participate in Unifil.
Malaysia has been involved in 37 UN missions, five of which are still active. Apart from peacekeepers in Lebanon, Malaysia also serves as a UN observer in Congo, Sudan, Western Sahara, and Yemen.
Unifil’s bases in Southern Lebanon have been struck by rockets and artillery on multiple occasions in recent weeks, injuring several peacekeepers. Unifil said it is investigating the attacks.
Mohamad said Malaysia’s involvement in the peacekeeping mission shows the global recognition given to the credibility and professionalism of the Malaysian armed forces.
“Carry out your duties responsibly to prove that Malaysia is committed to humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts.
“I’m confident you will do your jobs well, and I urge the troops’ families to pray for their safety as long as they are there. Have a safe trip.” - Mkini
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