Two vehicles of the Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT 850-11) which were deployed in the United Nations Interim Force (UNIFIL) mission in Lebanon were involved in an incident of attack by a group of civilians, yesterday.
The Malaysian Armed Forces Headquarters (ATM) of the Defense Strategic Intelligence and Communications Division through a statement informed that, in the incident at 5.32pm local time or 11.32pm Malaysian time, three officers and seven non-ranking members were in two Fitted For Radio (FFR) Malbatt 850 vehicles. -11.
At that time he said, they were on their way back to Camp Marakah Malbatt 850-11 after completing their assignment at Camp Shama, Unifil Headquarters
At the time, civilians were managing traffic due to the influx of ambulances and fire trucks.
“Suddenly, a group of nearly 30 civilians attempted to stop the Malbatt vehicles, resorting to throwing rocks and puncturing tyres with sharp objects.
“To prevent further escalation, the movement commander instructed the vehicles to pull over safely and remain inside while awaiting assistance,” the statement said.
The Lebanon Armed Forces (LAF) responded promptly, arriving at the scene to control the situation. They also coordinated a loader to facilitate the safe return of the vehicles and personnel back to Marakah Camp.
“All members of Malbatt 850-11 and their vehicles arrived safely at the camp by 1.39am Malaysian time.
“Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the officers and personnel; however, both vehicles sustained some damage.”
The ATM emphasised that Malbatt 850-11 would continue its routine assignments as mandated by Unifil.
They urged the public to refrain from speculating on the incident.
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