KUALA LUMPUR: Two Malaysian peacekeepers serving with the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) 850-13 in southern Lebanon sustained minor injuries after a nearby airstrike on Thursday (June 11) morning, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The Defence Minister said the incident occurred at about 9.25am local time, approximately 1km west of the United Nations Position (UNP) 6-43 in Tibnin.
"The airstrike took place near a Malbatt 850-13 logistics convoy that was carrying out a routine resupply mission to Tyre.
"The two personnel suffered minor injuries after being struck by shards of broken vehicle glass," he said in a statement on Thursday (June 11).
He added that two UN vehicles also sustained minor external damage as a result of the incident.
"Following the airstrike, Malbatt 850-13's Quick Reaction Force (QRF) stationed at UNP 6-43 was immediately activated, supported by medical and logistics personnel.
"The response team assisted the affected personnel and coordinated the recovery of the damaged vehicles before escorting the convoy safely back to base.
Upon arriving at the scene, the team conducted a security assessment and inspected the condition of the personnel and vehicles before arranging for the convoy's return," he said.
Khaled said both injured personnel had undergone medical examinations and were reported to be in stable condition.
"No serious injuries or loss of life were reported," he said, adding that the next of kin of the affected personnel had been informed of the incident.
As a precautionary measure, Malbatt 850-13 has enhanced its security protocols, including tightening convoy movement procedures, strengthening real-time security monitoring and improving coordination with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), he said.
"The battalion will also conduct more comprehensive risk assessments before undertaking movements within its operational area," he added.
Khaled said the ministry, through the Armed Forces, would continue to closely monitor the security situation in the area and maintain the highest level of operational readiness.
He said these measures were necessary to ensure the safety of Malaysian personnel and the continued implementation of Malaysia's peacekeeping mandate in Lebanon.
