(Commonwealth_ Malta) A plan has been established for the potential evacuation of seven Maltese soldiers stationed in Lebanon near the Israeli border, following a significant escalation in regional conflict. This surge in tension was triggered by Iran’s recent missile strikes on Israel.
Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri emphasized that the Maltese soldiers, who are part of a six-month United Nations peacekeeping mission, are currently safe and under constant monitoring. “We are closely following developments in Lebanon and are concerned about the situation. We maintain daily contact with the soldiers and continuously assess their safety,” he stated.
The evacuation strategy, coordinated with Irish authorities, aims to ensure the soldiers can be relocated to a secure location, if necessary, before returning to Malta. “This operation is not related to any military engagement but is purely a peacekeeping initiative under the auspices of the United Nations,” Camilleri clarified. He highlighted Malta’s commitment to neutrality and its ongoing diplomatic efforts for peace.
The Maltese soldiers are stationed at Camp Shamrock, approximately seven kilometers from the Israeli border, as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which comprises around 10,500 personnel from 50 countries. Alongside their Irish, Polish, and Hungarian counterparts, the Maltese troops expressed their determination to fulfill their mission despite rising tensions.
The situation escalated dramatically after Iran’s missile attack, which was reportedly in retaliation for the recent deaths of key figures, including Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, both linked to Israeli actions. In response, Israel intercepted most missiles and vowed to retaliate forcefully. The Israeli military reported that a soldier was killed during confrontations with Hezbollah forces in Lebanon, amidst ongoing clashes. In light of these developments, the Maltese government remains dedicated to ensuring the safety of its citizens abroad and is prepared to take necessary measures to support its soldiers.
