A Doa Kesyukuran was held Friday to mark the safe return of 29 personnel from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) who participated in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeeping mission with the Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT) 850-11 at Surau Ad-Difa’, Bolkiah Garrison.
The contingent, led by Major Hafizi bin Sabli, comprised three officers and 26 other ranks personnel, including two female soldiers, who completed a 13-month deployment and returned safely to Brunei Darussalam on December 14.
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof attended the ceremony, and presented certificates of participation to the contingent members.
Also in attendance were Commander of the RBAF Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan; High Commissioner-Designate of Malaysia to Brunei Darussalam Datuk Mohd Aini bin Atan; Members of the Defence and RBAF Executive Committees; representative from Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Malaysian Defence Advisor at Malaysian High Commission to Brunei Darussalam; officers and personnel of the Ministry of Defence; as well as families of the personnel involved in the peacekeeping mission.
The ceremony also featured a Tazkirah titled “Sacrifice and Service in Maintaining Peace,” delivered by Major Narulismandy @ Anwar Hadi bin Haji Samaih, Religious Affairs Officer, RBAF Religious Directorate (JAMA’AT).
The UNIFIL mission for the MALBATT 850-11 contingent this time was filled with various challenges, requiring more careful precautions to ensure the safety of personnel and the smooth conduct of operations.
Additionally, maintaining the spirit and morale of the RBAF personnel and ensuring support from their families back home were also important aspects throughout the deployment.
Since 2008, a total of 464 personnel have participated in the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission, reaffirming Brunei Darussalam’s unwavering commitment to fostering global peace and stability in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006).
This ongoing participation reflects the professionalism, resilience, and commitment of RBAF personnel while bolstering Brunei Darussalam’s strategic role in international defence diplomacy.
It further underscores the nation’s reputation as a responsible and proactive member of the global community, committed to providing collective security and stability. – Fadhil Yunus
