Photo/ Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin affirmed that Malaysian peacekeepers in southern Lebanon escaped injury after an air strike by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) hit as close as 100 metres from their position early Friday.
According to Mohamed Khaled, the air strike occurred near the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) 850-13 position serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil).
“An air strike was reported to have occurred about 2.35am local time (Friday) near a control post located between 100 and 200 metres from the Malbatt 850-13 settlement, and was believed to have targeted a bridge crossing the Litani River.
“A subsequent strike at 3.02am damaged several facilities and accommodation for personnel in the control post area,” he said as reported by NST.
Khaled said following the air strike an officer and eight personnel stationed at the control post were directed by the battalion’s Tactical Operations Centre to withdraw as a safety precaution. The group moved together with 12 personnel from the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to a safe location and arrived safely at about 4.12am local time.
However, the minister said no injuries were reported involving either Malbatt or LAF personnel, and all weapons and equipment brought by the team remained safe. Medical officers also conducted health checks to ensure all personnel were in good condition and remained at a high level of readiness.
“The safety of members of armed forces carrying out peacekeeping missions abroad remained a priority for the government. The ministry, through the Joint Forces Headquarters, would continue to monitor developments in the operational area and work with Unifil and other peacekeeping partners to ensure the safety of personnel,” he said.
