A total of 29 personnel from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) returned to Brunei Darussalam yesterday after completing a 12 month peacekeeping mission with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which began on November 14, 2023.
The RBAF contingent Malaysian Battalion Contingent (MALBATT) 850-11, led by Major Hafizi bin Sabli, arrived at the Air Movement Centre, Rimba Air Force Base using the Royal Brunei Air Force C295MW transport aircraft. RBAF Acting Commander Brigadier General (U) Dato Seri Pahlawan Mohammad Sharif bin Dato Paduka Haji Ibrahim welcomed their arrival.
High Commissioner-Designate of Malaysia to Brunei Darussalam Datuk Mohd Aini Atan, members of the RBAF Executive Committee, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, directors, commandants, the Malaysian Defence Advisor to Brunei Darussalam, officers from the Ministry of Defence and families of the RBAF personnel involved in the mission were also present.
Since 2008, the RBAF has continuously contributed to the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission, showing continuous commitment to international peace and stability as per the United Nations’ Resolution 1701 (2006).
The overseas mission aligns with the aspirations outlined in the Sultanate’s Defence White Papers 2021.
The RBAF’s involvement in the peacekeeping mission not only enhances the RBAF’s reputation and its personnel but also strengthens the country’s role in international defence diplomacy. – James Kon
