Malaysia to begin bringing Malbatt personnel home from Lebanon in January, says defence minister

Kota Tinggi, Oct 3 — All members of the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) serving in Lebanon are set to return home in January 2027, concluding their mission as the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) mandate concludes this year, according to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. The withdrawal of personnel will occur in stages via multiple flights, with military assets being returned by sea starting January 17, 2027.

All battalions currently operating in Lebanon are expected to complete their respective deployments by the end of December, coinciding with the expiration of the mission's mandate. At a press conference after the inauguration of the Kota Tinggi Muslim Orphanage, Nordin emphasized Malaysia's readiness to consider involvement in a new peacekeeping force in Lebanon if the United Nations requests it.

However, this readiness is contingent upon the UN's decision and mandate, as Malaysia will not participate in any military operations not authorized by the world body. Nordin highlighted this during his recent visit to Lebanon, where the security situation remains volatile and exposed to various threats. He pointed out that a UN conference is ongoing, with many participating countries advocating for a review of the mission's termination.

Reflecting on Malaysia's history in Lebanon, Nordin noted that military participation began on a small scale in 2007, with a full battalion-strength deployment approved by the UN in 2013.