Two Malaysian peacekeepers from Malbatt 850-13 were injured by bomb splinters during an airstrike near Haris in southern Lebanon on Thursday, June 11 or 12 [1, 2]. The injuries were minor, and both personnel received medical treatment; their condition is stable [1, 2]. The injuries were caused by shrapnel landing near the peacekeepers, not a direct strike [1, 2].
Following the incident, Malaysia's Defence Ministry instructed Malbatt 850-13 to tighten security measures and take precautionary actions to ensure personnel safety. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said, "We have provided guidance that such threats and challenges can indeed occur, and we have advised the contingent to take precautionary measures" [1].
Malaysia's contingent in Lebanon, part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), has had no fatalities in the conflict zone to date [1, 2]. The UN Security Council is currently reassessing UNIFIL's mandate, which is set to expire in December 2026 [1, 2]. Malaysia plans to withdraw all Malbatt personnel by the end of 2026 unless the UN decides to extend the deployment [1, 2].
On continuing peacekeeping efforts, Minister Nordin said, "However, if the UN decides that the presence of peacekeeping forces should continue to prevent Lebanon from descending into complete devastation, Malaysia is prepared to consider such cooperation" [1].
The scheduled expiration of the UNIFIL mandate and Malaysia's planned troop withdrawal reflect ongoing discussions about Lebanon's security situation and international peacekeeping roles [1, 2].
