KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s deployment under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) will end once the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) mandate expires next year.
This signals the conclusion of a peacekeeping commitment under the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) that has endured for nearly two decades, starting in 2007.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the UNSC had extended Unifil’s mandate for one more year on Aug 28.
“This means we will send one final team next year. After that, Malaysia will no longer have a Unifil presence in Lebanon.
“We will then proceed with their redeployment and related arrangements,” he said after visiting the army’s Western Field Command Headquarters in Sungai Besi here.
The UNSC renewal extends Unifil’s mandate to Dec 31, 2026, with the initiation of an orderly drawdown throughout 2027.
The Unifil contingent was established at the United Nations’ request and has maintained a continuous presence in southern Lebanon.
Founded in 1978 to oversee Israel’s withdrawal after its invasion of southern Lebanon, Unifil now fields more than 10,000 peacekeepers from 47 countries.
Its operations cover 1,060 sq km in the south, comprising 50 positions along Lebanese territory.
Based at Camp Marakah near Tyre, Malbatt deploys about 850 personnel per rotation, including infantry, engineers, medics and support units.
Their core duties include patrolling and monitoring the Blue Line — the UN-demarcated border between Lebanon and Israel — and supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces.
Malbatt also participates in humanitarian and community activities.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
