PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) 850-13 personnel have been ordered to suspend all operational movements temporarily following the deteriorating security situation in southern Lebanon.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the move was a precautionary measure in line with directives from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) headquarters.
He said Malbatt 850-13 personnel have been instructed not to carry out any operational movement for the time being.
“Security levels have also been heightened for all contingents in the mission area based on the current situation in southern Lebanon. The measures include continued compliance with standard operating procedures and strengthened implementation of the rules of engagement.
“In addition, patrol movements have been temporarily suspended, while force protection measures have been enhanced, alongside continuous situation assessments to ensure the safety of Malbatt 850-13 personnel,” he said in a statement yesterday.
He said all Malbatt 850-13 personnel were safe, with their security remaining the government’s top priority.
“All assignments and movements are being carried out cautiously based on ongoing assessments and Unifil operational directives,” he said.
Mohamed Khaled said the ministry was closely monitoring the latest security developments in Lebanon following two separate incidents within a 24-hour period involving Unifil peacekeepers.
These were a projectile explosion near the Adchit Al Qusayr municipality and an improvised explosive device incident involving the Indonesian contingent.
“The incidents resulted in fatalities among peacekeepers and caused serious injuries to several others,” he said.
“Malaysia stresses that any attack against peacekeepers is a serious violation of international humanitarian law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701,” he added.
Mohamed Khaled also extended his condolences to the families of those killed and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
He said the government remained committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of Malaysian personnel deployed under Unifil.
