GEMAS: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin has assured that Malaysian Armed Forces personnel deployed as peacekeepers in Lebanon are safe.
"Currently, all our personnel are in a secure condition. However, we have alternative plans and options ready should the situation deteriorate," he said.
He said this in response to concerns over the ongoing conflicts and unrest in the Middle East.
Khaled said that the Malaysian Armed Forces Joint Forces Command was closely monitoring the situation.
"We are operating within the framework set by the United Nations (UN), and any decisions will be made based on UN discussions, negotiations, and agreements. Nonetheless, we have developed contingency plans for our forces, which will be activated if necessary," he added during a briefing after attending the Malaysian Army's annual Firepower Training 2024 (LKT 2024) at Syed Sirajuddin Camp here.
It was previously reported that the government is considering two options for the repatriation of over 800 officers and members of the Malbatt 850-11 Battalion currently on a peacekeeping and humanitarian mission in Lebanon.
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said that these options include obtaining prior approval from the UN or arranging an independent repatriation of the battalion by Malaysia.
On Aug 5, the Foreign Ministry said that no Malaysians were affected by recent exchanges of fire by Israel in Southern Lebanon.
The ministry, in a statement, said the situation remained unpredictable and it was closely monitoring the developments in Lebanon.
It also said that they were actively communicating with the Malaysian embassy in Beirut, Defence Ministry and the UN to assess the status and safety of the Malbatt 850-11 stationed in Tibnin and Marakah, as well as other Malaysians in Lebanon.