Malaysia’s defence chief says the UN will provide a detailed plan in June for the UNIFIL mission’s future as the final Malaysian battalion prepares to withdraw
PORT DICKSON: Malaysia is awaiting detailed information from the United Nations on the future direction of its peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.
Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar said the withdrawal of over 10,000 UNIFIL peacekeepers would create a vacuum in southern Lebanon.
He stated the Lebanese Armed Forces would need to fill the security gap left by the departing UN force.
“The Malaysian Battalion 850-13, comprising 532 personnel, is the last group to join the peacekeeping mission since UNIFIL announced its withdrawal from Lebanon,” he said.
Mohd Nizam added that the UN would provide a detailed plan in June regarding the mission’s future.
He was speaking at a medal ceremony for returning MALBATT 850-12 personnel here today.
The current Malaysian contingent is responsible for training Lebanese forces ahead of a full handover.
Some Malaysian military assets will be left behind to support the Lebanese Armed Forces’ capability.
The MALBATT teams will vacate the Tibnin and Hariss camps, consolidating at Marakah Camp before the final handover.
Mohd Nizam said Malaysia’s complete withdrawal is expected in December next year.
A small group may remain to manage remaining equipment and related administrative matters.
“This will be a major movement, as we have been there since 2007,” he added.
Malaysia first deployed troops to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon mission in 2007.
On another matter, Mohd Nizam said the Malaysian Armed Forces is ready to deploy to Gaza if required.
He said the force is awaiting official notification from the United Nations.
“We have been informed informally that the mission will proceed, but we have not received anything official yet,” he stated.
The MAF has prepared two operational options for potential tasks in Gaza.
These options include providing logistics, engineering, and medical support. – Bernama
