KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 — The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) has confirmed that all personnel of the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) 850-13 serving in southern Lebanon are safe and unaffected following a mortar attack on UNP 7-2, the Spanish Battalion (Spanbatt) position in the Eastern Sector, on Wednesday.
In a statement today, the MAF said the incident, which occurred at 11.20pm local time, left three Spanbatt peacekeepers injured, while one of them was confirmed dead yesterday morning.
“The MAF extends its condolences to the family of the fallen Spanbatt peacekeeper and prays for the swift recovery of those injured,” the statement said.
The MAF reiterated its firm position that any form of attack, including indirect fire targeting peacekeeping forces, constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law and the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.
“As a tactical response to this development, the security and base protection profile of the Malbatt 850-13 contingent has been immediately elevated to the highest warning level (Status Level Red).
“All patrol movements have been temporarily suspended. The contingent is now operating under the strictest Standard Operating Procedure and defensive Rules of Engagement as stipulated by the Unifil Headquarters,” the statement said.
The statement added that the MAF, through the Joint Forces Headquarters, is continuously monitoring the operational situation to ensure the highest level of safety for Malaysian personnel carrying out their mandate in the conflict zone. — Bernama
