Daughter Of Tragic M'sian Hero In Battle Of Mogadishu Continues Struggle

Mohd Khairul Fikri Osman SUNGAI PETANI (Kedah, Malaysia) Oct 31 (Bernama) -- The struggles of the late Corporal Mat Aznan Awang who was killed in the Bakara Market battle in Somalia in 1993, is being continued by his eldest daughter who currently serves as a soldier. Nor Azlinda, 29, who is a sergeant, currently serves as Senior Trainer in the General Service Corps, 19th Royal Malay Regiment (RMR) Airport Camp here. "I am determined to be a brave soldier like my father," she said when met during the ceremony to remember the heroes of the Bakara Market battle at the camp here Friday. Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein officiated the ceremony which was also attended by Armed Forces Chief Gen Zulkifeli Mohd Zin and Army Chief Gen Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor. Nor Azlinda said as a child, she dreamt of becoming a teacher but was determined to join the military after the incident which killed her father on Oct 4, 1993. The older of two siblings said her father's courage and sacrifice was an inspiration for her to become a brave soldier and complete all assigned missions. "I still remember my late father's wish that I study hard and become a religious teacher but eventually, I followed his footsteps," she added. Mat Aznan, who was part of the Malaysian Peacekeeping force (MALBATT 1) was killed when the armoured vehicle he was driving was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) fired by the militia led by self-procliamed Somalian leader Mohamed Farah Aideed in a fierce fight known as the 'Battle of Mogadishu'. That battle was later featured in a Hollywood blockbuster movie, 'Black Hawk Down' helmed by internationally acclaimed director Ridley Scott. Nor Azlinda, who joined the 19th Regiment about eight years ago said she was willing to serve in war-torn countries like Somalia if her services were required. "I have always wanted to join the MALBATT but there has been no opportunity (thus far). If I get a chance, I will definitely not turn it down," she said, recalling the heartbreak about 22 years ago, when she received news of her father's death. Meanwhile, Mat Aznan's widow, Siti Zauyaj Yahya thanked the defence ministry for honouring her husband. "This award means a lot to those soldiers who joined MALBATT 1," said the resident of Kampung Sungai Limau, Baling. Meanwhile, Lance Corporal (Rtd) Mohd Sobri Ahmad, 55, said during the incident, the Condo armoured vehicles they were traveling in was bombarded with gunfire and rocket launchers. "The fear was there because thousands of shells landed on the armoured vehicles but our high fighting spirit allowed us to continue the mission to rescue the trapped American rangers. "These memories remain in the mind of those involved in the mission," said Mohd Sobri. -- BERNAMA