Malaysian has taken decisive action by temporarily suspending the operational activities of its forces within the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeeping mission. This follows a deadly attack by Israel that killed three Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) soldiers in southern Lebanon.
The decision directly impacts the movements of Malaysia Battalion (MALBATT) 850-13 members. They are now instructed to cease all operational activities as a preventive measure amid the worsening security situation.
Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin emphasized that this policy aligns with UNIFIL headquarters' directives. It follows two separate incidents within 24 hours involving peacekeepers, including a projectile explosion near Adchit Al Qusayr and an improvised explosive device (IED) blast that hit the Indonesian contingent.
"The incident has claimed the lives of peacekeepers and caused serious injuries to several others. The Ministry of Defense extends its condolences to the families of the victims and prays for a speedy recovery for the injured," he stated, as quoted by Bernama on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
The Permanent Representative of the Republic of Indonesia to the UN, Umar Hadi, demanded a swift, thorough, and transparent UN investigation into the Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon that killed the three Indonesian soldiers in late March 2026.
The Indonesian government requested that the Security Council monitor and follow up on the investigation results decisively. It also demanded legal accountability for the perpetrators without immunity in cases involving attacks on peacekeeping forces.
Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on the Situation in the Middle East on Tuesday, Umar strongly condemned the attacks on UNIFIL forces on March 29 and 30, 2026. Indonesia urged all parties, including Israel, to halt aggression and comply with international law to ensure the safety of personnel and the protection of United Nations assets.
Umar emphasized that the safety of peacekeepers must be the top priority. This includes emergency measures to strengthen personnel protection amid the rising escalation of conflict on the ground.
