KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has a backup plan in case the situation in southern Lebanon worsens and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) decides to withdraw due to Israel’s aggressive actions, says the Defence Minister.
Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said for now, the government’s commitment remained with other countries that also sent military personnel to Lebanon.
He said the situation unfolding now was similar to when the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) was despatched there for the first time for peacekeeping duties.
Khaled said his ministry was in close contact with Unifil to find out the latest situation in the area, adding that the views of other countries that sent their military personnel there were also being sought.
“It’s not just the Malbatt team that is facing attacks, but those from other countries such as Indonesia and Ireland are also facing the same situation.
“It has become the country’s reputation to continue working together with the Unifil peacekeeping force which is made up of more than 40 countries to maintain peace there,” he said when contacted by Bernama Radio on the latest situation of Malbatt members in Lebanon.
Khaled said those sent over were trained soldiers who were ready and aware of the risks they faced as peacekeepers, adding that “they are not ordinary people.”
On Thursday, six Malbatt members were confirmed to have suffered injuries following an explosion near Saida Stadium in Lebanon during the movement of Malbatt 850-12 members from Beirut to Camp Marakah.
