Brunei's Local News - Brudirect.com

Bandar Seri Begawan - Five members of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) will be joining their Malaysian counterparts for nine months in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil).

A first for Brunei's military, the RBAF personnel will take part in the peacekeeping mission under the Malcon West 1 contingent.

The soldiers were given an official sending-off yesterday morning at a ceremony at Hangar A of the Royal Brunei Air Force Base in Rimba.

In the presence of senior officers from the Ministry of Defence, RBAF officers, and family members of the five troopers, Deputy Minister of Defence Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Paduka Mohammad Yasmin Hj Umar handed over the national flag to the Brunei contingent.

Also present was RBAF Commander, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Hj Halbi Hj Md Yussof.

As the soldiers lined up in formation, the deputy minister was formerly acquainted with each of the five individuals.

Major Norhazalan Hj Abdullah will be leading the team made up of Major Dr Muhammad Hiza Wardy Hj Abd Halim, Warrant Officer Two Hj Zulkifli Emran, Staff Sergeant Abd Rahim Abd Razak and Sergeant Mohd'Tony Hj Hashim, during the Unifil mission.

After the ceremony, the group then headed off to the Brunei International Airport where family members bid farewell to their loved ones. The wives, children and extended family of the soldiers wished them a safe journey and return as they departed.

Speaking to The Brunei Times, Major Norhazalan said that his team will be helping the Lebanese in maintaining the peace and stability in Lebanon, in line with the mandate of the United Nations.

Based on information he acquired, he said that at present, the situation in Lebanon was still calm but there was still a risk that the peace could be disturbed.

He emphasised that the southwestern part of Lebanon was one of the areas which were at risk.

With regards to the mission, Major Norhazalan said that it is an opportunity for RBAF to show its presence in the UN peacekeeping force.

He added that they were honoured to participate in the mission after having undergone three months of intensive training with the Malaysian troops,

Malcon West 1 comprises of 225 members who will be replacing Qatar servicemen in the Unifil mission.

"We are looking forward to conducting our mission," he said. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times