KUALA LUMPUR: Six Malaysian peacekeepers from Battalion 850 (Malbatt 850) under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were injured in a drone strike near Sidon, Lebanon.
According to a statement from the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), five personnel from Malbatt 850-12 sustained minor injuries, with one member suffering a fractured left arm. Another soldier from Malbatt 850-11 also sustained minor injuries.
The MAF reported that the incident occurred at 7:54 p.m. Malaysian time near Saida Stadium in Lebanon. The Malbatt 850-12 personnel were traveling from Beirut to Marakah Camp when the attack took place. The target was reportedly a civilian vehicle heading to Beirut, but the explosion damaged a bus carrying Malbatt 850-12 personnel.
The MAF emphasized its commitment to closely monitoring the situation and providing updates as necessary, while prioritizing the safety and well-being of its personnel on the UN peacekeeping mission.
Earlier, UNIFIL stated that a convoy transporting newly-arrived peacekeepers to begin their deployment was impacted by an Israeli Defense Force (IDF) drone strike. The convoy was on its way to southern Lebanon, passing through Sidon when the incident occurred. Those injured received treatment from the Lebanese Red Cross.
Yesterday, Malaysia deployed its first group of Malbatt 850-12 peacekeepers, consisting of 220 officers and enlisted personnel led by Colonel Johan Effendi Mohd Shalleh. Malbatt 850-12 includes 854 members, with 82 officers, 772 enlisted personnel, three officers, and 27 personnel from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, along with a civilian financial officer from the Defence Ministry. This deployment follows the recent return of the Malbatt 850-11 contingent, which had completed its tour of duty.
