The following is a media release from the Malaysian Armed Forces regarding the Malaysian Armed Forces’ response following the statement by the Honorable Minister of Defence, Dato’ Seri Mohamad Khalid Nordin, regarding the post-MALBAT 850-11 deployment sent by the recent residents of Lebanon.”
KUALA LUMPUR, 2 March 2024 – The Malaysian Armed Forces Headquarters (MK ATM) issues the following statement regarding an incident involving a Malaysian Battalion 850-11 (MALBATT 850-11) vehicle for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission being obstructed by local residents in Beirut, Lebanon.
- MK ATM confirms that an incident involving a Malaysian Battalion 850-11 (MALBATT 850-11) vehicle for the UNIFIL mission was obstructed by local residents in Beirut, Lebanon. The incident occurred on February 29, 2024, around 4:30 PM (local time in Lebanon) when a convoy of two MALBATT 850-11 vehicles was en route to the UNIFIL Movcon Staging Area, near Rafik Hariri International Airport, Beirut.
- One Fitted for Radio (FFR) type vehicle branded Cendana Auto, carrying 5 members of MALBATT 850-11, separated from the convoy due to a traffic jam. The vehicle entered the Hay al-Sellom area in Dahiyeh, south of Beirut, to make a U-turn back to the actual route.
- While making the U-turn to exit the village area, a group of 15 to 20 local residents blocked the vehicle. They requested MALBATT 850-11 members to provide an explanation and the purpose of their vehicle passing through the area, claiming it is private property. The local residents also inspected the inside of the MALBATT 850-11 vehicle for specific purposes.
- After providing an explanation to the involved residents, MALBATT 850-11 members and the vehicle were allowed to proceed with their mission. No injuries were reported among the members. There was no loss of equipment or damage to the vehicle in the incident. This matter has also been referred to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).
- MALBATT 850-11 will continue its routine tasks as mandated by UNIFIL. All parties are urged not to speculate about the incident.
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