PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Peacekeeping Battalion 850-10 (MALBATT 850-10) which was on a one-year deployment in Lebanon since Oct 27 last year, faced challenges following the Palestine-Israel conflict that erupted early last month, said Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman.
He said the conflict had affected the security in Southern Lebanon and the operations of MALBATT 850-10.
Mohammad said the Malaysian peacekeeping team involved in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) witnessed and heard the airstrikes and explosions while carrying out their mission.
“It was a valuable experience that should be remembered for life. It should trigger all Armed Forces personnel and Malaysians to collectively defend the country’s sovereignty and interests so that the peace and prosperity that we have achieved continue to be preserved and protected.
“Your return today has brought success and has elevated the country’s name internationally. The sacrifices, service, and dedication that have been shown are highly praised and appreciated,” he said at the ceremony to receive the last batch of MALBATT 850-10 at the Subang Air Force Base, near here yesterday.
MALBATT 850-10 commander Colonel Mohd Rizman Ramli said the conflict had affected their operations and movement but did not dampen the team’s morale and spirit.
He said the distance between their camps and the Israeli-Lebanese border is only about 25 kilometres, adding that they could hear the explosions and air raids.
Meanwhile, the youngest personnel of the batch, Aircraftman 1st Class (W) Nur Ameylya Natasha Asral, 24, described her first overseas deployment as ‘a valuable experience’, one that caused concern yet not enough to break her spirit that could hinder her from carrying out the peacekeeping mission.
“When I heard the explosions, I was worried and thought about my family but because I have bigger responsibilities, I carried on as usual,” she said.
The MALBATT 850-10 contingent, consisting of 854 personnel, was stationed at Ma’rakah and Tibnin camps under the control of the UNIFIL’s Sector West. The contingent ended its mission on Nov 14.— BERNAMA
