Naqoura: No personnel from the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) were injured or killed in an explosion believed to have involved an unidentified drone near the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL HQ) in Naqoura yesterday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin confirmed that the incident, which took place around 5.30 pm Malaysian time, occurred close to the perimeter fence of the headquarters, approximately 20 meters from Malaysia House. This facility serves as a rest area for five MAF personnel working as Military Staff Officers (PST) at the UNIFIL HQ.

The explosion resulted in minor damage to both the exterior and interior of the building. However, no injuries or fatalities were reported among Malaysian PST or UNIFIL staff, as all personnel were inside a bunker at the time of the incident. A warning siren had sounded at 5.19 pm, prompting instructions for all PST at the UNIFIL HQ to seek shelter as a precautionary measure due to the threat situation in the operational area.

In response to the explosion, the area around Malaysia House has been temporarily cordoned off for investigations and security inspections by UNIFIL authorities. Further assessments are underway to determine the extent of damage to the building structure and equipment, with follow-up repair work to be coordinated through the MALBATT 850-13 element.

Located about 24 kilometers from Camp Marakah, the main base of MALBATT 850-13 in southern Lebanon, Malaysia House is a critical facility for Malaysian personnel. The Defence Ministry, through the Joint Forces Headquarters, will continue to monitor the situation closely and collaborate with UNIFIL to ensure the ongoing safety of Malaysian personnel.