LAST GROUP OF MALBATT 850-12 PEACEKEEPERS ARRIVES HOME FROM LEBANON

SUBANG, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- The final contingent of the Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT) 850-12, which has been serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since November last year, arrived home safely this evening.

The fourth and final group, comprising 209 personnel, landed at the Subang Air Base here at 5.30 pm on an AirAsia flight, together with seven members of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (ABDB).

They were received on arrival by Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, ABDB Commander Maj Gen Dato Paduka Seri Muhammad Haszaimi Bol Hassan and Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain.

MALBATT 850-12 is made up of 854 personnel who were deployed to Lebanon on Nov 6 last year and stationed at Camp Ma’rakah and Camp Tibnin in the south of the country.

In his speech, Mohd Nizam said MALBATT 850-12 had demonstrated a high level of professionalism and commitment throughout its tour of duty, especially in facing challenges arising from the Israel-Gaza conflict, which erupted on Oct 7, 2023.

He said the heightened regional tensions had directly affected the security situation in southern Lebanon.

“The incident on Nov 7, 2024, which resulted in six of our personnel being injured while travelling from Beirut to Camp Ma’rakah, is a clear reminder that the responsibilities of a peacekeeping force are never easy,” he said.

Mohd Nizam said Malaysia’s continued involvement in United Nations peacekeeping missions reflects the Malaysian Armed Forces’ (MAF) role as a credible, respected force firmly committed to global peace.

He added that such participation not only elevates Malaysia’s image on the international stage but also strengthens the MAF’s capabilities through real-world operational experience in conflict zones.

-- BERNAMA