KUALA LUMPUR: All personnel from the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) 850-13 currently deployed in southern Lebanon are safe, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The Defence Minister said the security situation in the area of responsibility of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil), including the sector under Malbatt 850-13, has seen increased military activity between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah.
"Israeli troops were reported to have entered several areas in Lebanon, while a number of attacks were also recorded near Malbatt's area of responsibility.
“Following these developments, force protection measures have been enhanced in line with the current level of alert," he said in a statement on Wednesday (March 4).
Despite the rising tensions, Mohamed Khaled said there is currently no need to carry out an evacuation as the situation remains under control.
“Malbatt 850-13 remains at the highest level of readiness and is prepared to activate contingency plans, including emergency evacuation, if required,” he added.
He said the ministry is continuing to closely monitor developments through the Joint Forces Headquarters in cooperation with Unifil and other relevant agencies.
“The safety of every Armed Forces personnel remains the government’s top priority," he said.
