Two vehicles from the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt 850-11), deployed to the United Nations Interim Force (Unifil) mission in Lebanon, were attacked by a mob on Wednesday evening, the Defence Ministry said in a statement today.
No casualties were reported.
The armed forces strategic defence intelligence and communication headquarters said the incident involved two fitted for radio (FFR) vehicles.
“It occurred when both vehicles, which carried three officers and seven others of various ranks, were on their way back to the Malbatt 850-11 Marakah Camp after conducting a force protection mission at Shama Camp, located at the Unifil headquarters,” the statement read.
The vehicles were on the Tes Road-Burj Al Qibli at Tyre City when rocks were thrown and tyres punctured.
According to news portal Malaysiakini, the ministry stated that at the time, civilians began manning the traffic as many ambulances and fire engines were moving in both directions.
“Suddenly, a group of people started behaving aggressively and tried to stop both vehicles.
"About 30 of them threw rocks and punctured the tyres of all Malbatt vehicles using sharp objects,” it said.
The convoy leader instructed both vehicles to be safely parked on the side of the road, with the personnel remaining inside while awaiting assistance.
The Lebanon Armed Forces arrived at the location and restored order. They also helped by coordinating a loader to transport the vehicles and Malbatt personnel back to Marakah Camp. - September 20, 2024
