MALBATT TEAM SAFE, VEHICLES DAMAGED IN LEBANON CIVILIAN ATTACK

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 (Bernama) -- Personnel from Malaysian Battalion 850-11 (MALBATT 850-11) under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) have emerged unharmed after their vehicles were attacked by a group of civilians, according to the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).

It said the incident occurred on Wednesday at 11.32 pm Malaysian time, involving three officers and seven other personnel who were returning to Marakah Camp after completing a force protection assignment at Shama Camp, UNIFIL headquarters.

"While the team was travelling along Tes Road-Burj Al Qibli in the city of Tyre, an unusual traffic congestion occurred, where many civilians were directing traffic, and several ambulances and fire trucks were moving in both directions.

"Suddenly, a group of civilians acted aggressively, attempting to stop the two MALBATT Fitted For Radio (FFR) vehicles," MAF said in a statement today.  

It said nearly 30 civilians threw stones and slashed the tyres of both vehicles using sharp objects.

“To prevent the situation from worsening, both vehicles pulled over and the personnel remained inside until the Lebanon Armed Forces (LAF) arrived at the scene to escort them back.

"All personnel and vehicles arrived safely at Marakah Camp at 1.39 am Malaysian time, or 7.39 pm Lebanese time, although both vehicles sustained some damage," the statement added. 

MALBATT 850-11 will continue its routine duties as mandated by UNIFIL, and all parties are urged not to speculate on the incident, which could tarnish the image of MAF and the Ministry of Defence, it said. 

-- BERNAMA