MEDIA STATEMENT
1. Following the situation in Southern Lebanon, I would like to inform that the current status of the Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT) 850-11 is safe, and there have been no casualties or damage to assets.
2. All units under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), including the MALBATT 850-11 unit operating in Southern Lebanon, have been instructed not to conduct patrol operations or logistical movements and to remain stationed at their respective positions.
3. Taking into account the safety of personnel, the UNIFIL Headquarters has activated bunker protection drills according to established procedures until the situation is under control.
4. Any plans to withdraw officers and members of MALBATT 850-11 from Malaysia will depend on the approval of UNIFIL, based on the level of safety and threat in the area of operations.
5. The Ministry of Defense and the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) will continue to monitor the situation in Southern Lebanon and will update any developments involving the MALBATT 850-11 unit.
Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin
Minister of Defense, Malaysia
2 October 2024