PORT DICKSON: The Commander of the Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT) 850-11, Colonel Burhan Sagoni has shared his valuable experiences leading a peacekeeping team through significant challenges during the 'Northern Arrow' crisis in Lebanon.
On Sept 23, Israel began a series of airstrikes in Lebanon as part of the ongoing Israel–Hezbollah conflict with an operation it code-named Northern Arrows. Since then, Israel's attacks have killed over 800 people, injured more than 5,000, and displaced hundreds of thousands of Lebanese civilians.
Originally from Tawau, Burhan said that his team faced numerous obstacles throughout their mission, undertaking operations that differed from those carried out by previous Malbatt contingents.
"This time, the operations were unconventional. We escorted senior officers from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) into operational areas. We also provided assistance to civilians, such as supplying raw water to Tibnin Public Hospital and transporting patients from the Blue Line area to the hospital.
"We conducted joint operations known as the 'Kuala Lumpur Operation,' where we assisted teams in the Blue Line area with regular patrols," he told reporters after the United Nations Service Medal (PNBB) Award Ceremony and the Disbandment of Malbatt 850-11 at the Army Basic Training Centre (Pusasda) here on Thursday (Dec 12).
During the ceremony, a total of 853 personnel, including members of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (ABDB) and a finance officer from the Ministry of Defence, were awarded the PNBB medal.
A father of one, Burhan was honoured with Italy’s Croce Commemorativa Per La Partecipazione Alle Operazioni Di Pace medal, presented by Chief of Defence Force, General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman.
Burhan is the second Malbatt commander to receive this recognition, highlighting the success of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) in strengthening international relations, particularly in military and defence diplomacy between the two nations.
The 49-year-old admitted to being deeply concerned about the safety of his personnel while operating in areas rife with security uncertainties.
"Previously, we would hear the sound of explosions from about 17 kilometres away, but this time, they occurred within Malbatt's area of responsibility.
"The louder detonations had a greater impact, causing damage to structures in the camp, such as shattered glass," he said.
Despite these challenges, Burhan expressed gratitude that Malbatt 850-11’s mission was successfully completed and the team returned home safely.
"Alhamdulillah, comparing the uncertainty we faced there to the peace and safety in Malaysia, we should be grateful. Even as a multiracial country, we must cherish the harmony we have here," he said. - Bernama
