Lucky escape: Members of Malbatt getting treated after they were injured during an Israeli airstrike at the northern entrance of the southern Lebanese city of Sidon. — AFP
PETALING JAYA: Many Malaysians have expressed concern over the safety of Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) personnel in Lebanon, with some calling for the withdrawal of the troops.
However, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia fellow Mej Khairul Nizam Taib opines otherwise.
“Support from Malaysia means a lot to Lebanon, especially taking into consideration our diplomatic relations with them so far,” he said.
Instead, he called for better training and political support to strengthen personnel deployed for peacekeeping missions under the United Nations’ banner.
“I strongly recommend for Malbatt to be better prepared in terms of its assets and the readiness of (Malaysian) authorities to step in during life-threatening incidents to ensure the safety of our troops and civilians (there),” he said.
On Thursday, six Malbatt members – five from Malbatt 850-12 and one from Malbatt 850-11 – were injured during an explosion near Saida Stadium in Lebanon.
They were en route to Marakah Camp from Beirut when the incident happened at 7.45pm Malaysian time. Malbatt is part of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon.
On the safety aid equipment provided to the troops, Khairul Nizam said while it is sufficiently provided, equipment upgrade was needed and they should be sufficiently armed.
He said those responsible should also consider amending rules of engagement, relative to needs and priorities.
“To our soldiers, may all be blessed with safety and security,” he added.
Meanwhile, Malaysians took to social media, commenting and retweeting news on the incident since Thursday night.
In their posts, they prayed for the safety of all Malbatt personnel in Lebanon.
“In a war-torn zone, all personnel must be prepared for injuries and fatalities. Take precautions and care. God bless!” Andrew Tai commented on Facebook.
On X, Irfan_newboys (@Marchfoward) expressed shock that Malbatt personnel were injured not long after arriving in Lebanon.
“Semoga Allah melindungi pahlawan Malaysia di Lubnan (May Allah protect Malaysian fighters in Lebanon),” he tweeted.
On Instagram, Muzammil (muzammil_shah94) questioned if the incident was a violation of UN laws.
“Peacekeepers are attacked... don’t tell me the UN’s eyes are closed,” he posted.
Instagram user zanaa_81 prayed for the safety of the Malaysian troop: “May they return to their families safely.”
Others have asked the government to withdraw Malbatt personnel from Lebanon.
“What guarantee has the UN given for our troops there? If none, then better to pull out. The safety of our troops is more important,” Georgy Lampaah said on Facebook.
