KUALA LUMPUR: According to the Armed Forces chief, Jeneral Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman, the members of the Malbatt team involved in the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon are confirmed to be safe amid the tense situation at the country’s border due to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He mentioned that the team members are carrying out their duties as usual. “Despite the tension in Lebanon, they are in good health,” he said after his first mandate as the Armed Forces chief at a parade in Dataran Panglima Tentera Darat, Sungai Besi. Bernama reported that Jeneral Mohammad was responding to concerns about the safety of the Malbatt members participating in the peacekeeping mission.
Reports have indicated that clashes between the Hezbollah group in southern Lebanon and Israeli forces have been escalating. In light of this, Jeneral Mohammad stated that the presence of the Malbatt team in Lebanon has been mandated by the United Nations and they will remain in the country until further instructions are received from the international organization. “The UN will decide whether Malbatt should stay in Lebanon or withdraw. Let us pray for the safety of the officers and members of Malbatt 850-10, that no accidents or mishaps occur,” he added.
The Malaysian Army commander, Jeneral Datuk Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, the Royal Malaysian Air Force commander, Jeneral Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan, and the Royal Malaysian Navy deputy chief, Vice-Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain, were also present at the parade.
