KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian peacekeeping troops in Southern Lebanon are allowed to fire back at Israel Defence Forces (IDF) if they are attacked, on the grounds of self-defence, Defence Minister Datuk Khaled Nordin told the Dewan Rakyat today.
Khaled was responding to a ministerial question by Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (Tanah Merah-PN) regarding the safety of Malaysian peacekeepers, known as Malbatt 850-11, as hostilities continue to escalate between the IDF and Hezbollah.
The Defence Minister said that Malbatt 850-11 is under the command of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) and provides guidelines concerning threats and force protection.
Confirming that Malaysian peacekeepers are allowed to retaliate against attacks by hostile forces in self-defence, Khalid also explained that Malbatt 850-11 will not be permitted to perform offensive actions.
“This is because our job is to keep the peace.
“We can’t take offensive measures. But if we are attacked, we can take defensive measures” Khaled said.
Meanwhile, touching on concerns about whether there are facilities to handle injured Malaysian troops in Southern Lebanon, Khaled mentioned that there are specialised operation theatres an hour away from Malaysian camps in Ma’rakah and Tibnin.
Additionally, camps where Malaysian troops are stationed also have level 2 facilities to treat injured soldiers with Khaled pointing out that Unifil also has cooperation with local hospitals nearby.
On the issue of evacuation should the war in south Lebanon escalate, Khaled said this would be a question for Unifil.
“Whether we retreat or not, it depends on Unifil as we are under their command structure which involves the participation of 50 countries.
“For your information, Indonesian peacekeepers were injured following an attack by Israeli troops.
“Although they were injured, Indonesia stated they are not retreating,” Khaled added.
Yesterday, it was reported that Unifil will maintain its positions in south Lebanon despite hostile action by the IDF.
Over the past week, Israel has repeatedly targeted Unifil positions in south Lebanon, sparking international condemnation.
Currently, Malaysia has stationed over 800 troops in south Lebanon, approximately 10km away from the Blue Line where hostilities are taking place. – October 17, 2024
