Malbatt team in Lebanon unscathed in Israeli attack

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Battalion 850-11 (Malbatt) team is safe despite increasing tensions following Israel’s attack on Lebanon, says Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

He said no Malbatt personnel was injured nor any assets damaged in the attack last week.

“All teams under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil), including Malbatt, have been instructed to conduct patrols.

“The Malbatt team, which operated in south Lebanon, has been instructed by Unifil to remain at their encampment as well.

“The Unifil base has also activated bunker drills based on existing procedures until the situation is under control,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Mohamed Khaled said any plans to withdraw Malbatt personnel will depend on the approval of Unifil.

“Plans to withdraw them (from Lebanon) will be based on the level of security and threats at the area of operation.

“The Defence Ministry and the Armed Forces will continue to monitor the situation in south Lebanon and will give updates on any development of involving the Malbatt team,” he added.

Last month, the Malbatt team encountered an aggressive incident involving Lebanese citizens but no one was hurt.

A video clip shows a group of Lebanese citizens acting aggressively against a Malbatt 850-11 convoy which was on a Unifil mission.

The Armed Forces said in a statement that the incident occurred on Sept 18.

“Two Fitted for Radio (FFR) vehicles were involved in the incident. It happened when both vehicles transporting three officers and seven personnel were on their way back to the Marakah camp after completing a force protection duty at the Unifil base in Shama camp,” it said.

While both vehicles were going through the Tes Road-Burj Al Qibli in Tyre, traffic congestion occurred.

“Members of the public were directing traffic, and there were many ambulances and fire trucks in both directions.

“Suddenly, a group of citizens started acting aggressively and tried to stop the Malbatt vehicles.

“Close to 30 people then threw rocks and punctured all tyres of the vehicles using sharp objects.

“To prevent the situation from worsening, the convoy leader instructed both vehicles to stop at the side of the road and all military personnel remained in the vehicles while waiting for assistance,” the Armed Forces said.

The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) arrived at the scene and managed to control the situation.

“They also assisted in coordinating the use of loaders to bring back the vehicles and the Malbatt personnel to Marakah camp.”

All personnel eventually arrived safely at Marakah camp.

No injuries were sustained by any personnel or officers, said the Armed Forces.