Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Malaysia to withdraw Malbatt personnel from Lebanon starting January
The Defence Ministry has announced plans to begin repatriating Malaysian Battalion troops serving in Lebanon from January 2024. All Malbatt personnel are expected to return home as part of a phased withdrawal operation.
LSN Malaysia ·
Malaysia will commence bringing home members of the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) deployed in Lebanon beginning in January, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said on Wednesday. Speaking in Kota Tinggi, the minister confirmed that all personnel currently stationed in the Middle Eastern nation will be repatriated as part of a planned drawdown of the regional peacekeeping contingent.
The move comes as Malaysia reassesses its military commitments abroad amid evolving regional security dynamics. Malbatt has maintained a significant presence in Lebanon for decades as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), contributing to peacekeeping and stability efforts in the region.
The Defence Ministry has not disclosed specific details regarding the timeline for the complete withdrawal or the total number of personnel involved in the repatriation exercise. Officials indicated that the operation would be conducted in phases to ensure an orderly transition.
The decision reflects Malaysia's ongoing evaluation of its defence priorities and resource allocation. The country remains committed to international peacekeeping efforts while optimizing its military deployments to address domestic and regional security concerns.