General : MALBATT Personnel In Lebanon Returning In January 2027

KOTA TINGGI, October 3 — The Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt), presently stationed in Lebanon, is slated to commence their journey back home in January 2027, as stated by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. This departure will occur in stages, with several flights facilitating the return of the personnel, followed by the conveyance of military assets by sea, starting on January 17.

All battalions engaged in Lebanon are projected to conclude their respective missions by the end of December, aligning with the expiration of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) mandate. At a press conference, shortly after the inauguration of the Kota Tinggi Muslim Orphanage, the minister elaborated on the situation. He affirmed Malaysia's openness to partake in a fresh peacekeeping force within Lebanon if the United Nations (UN) solicits such involvement.

However, this readiness hinges on the UN's decision and the mandate granted, as Malaysia would not engage in any military operation absent UN authorization. During his recent visit to Lebanon, Mohamed Khaled underscored the volatile security climate and potential threats. He alluded to an ongoing UN conference, where several participating nations have advocated for a reassessment of the mission's termination.

Reflecting on Malaysia's past involvement in Lebanon, he noted that the country's military presence commenced on a modest scale in 2007, preceding a full battalion deployment in 2013, as approved by the UN.