PETALING JAYA: All patrols and logistics movements involving Malaysian Battalion 850-11 (Malbatt 850-11) stationed in southern Lebanon have been suspended following instructions from the United Nations Interim Force (Unifil), according to the defence ministry.
Its minister Khaled Nordin said the Malbatt personnel were safe, with no casualties or asset damage reported despite heightened tensions.
"In consideration of personnel safety, the Unifil command has activated bunker drills as per established procedures until the situation stabilises," he said in a statement today.
Khaled also said any withdrawal of Malbatt personnel would require Unifil approval, based on security conditions within the operational area.
"The defence ministry and Malaysian Armed Forces will continue to monitor the situation in southern Lebanon and update on any developments involving Malbatt 850-11," he said.
Yesterday, Wisma Putra said it was preparing to evacuate 15 Malaysians and three foreign spouses still in Lebanon amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah based in Lebanon.
The foreign ministry said nine Malaysians had voluntarily left, and that the embassy in Beirut remained operational until further notice.
On Monday, AFP reported that the Israeli military had started ground raids in villages in southern Lebanon, after Hezbollah said it had targeted enemy soldiers at the countries’ border.
This comes after an Israeli airstrike on Beirut killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on Friday.
Despite international calls for de-escalation, Israel vowed to keep fighting Hezbollah, and sealed part of the border after killing the Iran-backed group’s leader.
