Irish Defence Forces in Lebanon Targeted by Small Arms Fire
Members of the Irish Defence Forces recently faced a serious incident while on patrol in south Lebanon. The event occurred at approximately 18:30 Irish time on Thursday, coinciding with 20:30 local time.
Irish Defence Forces Under Small Arms Fire
The 127 Infantry Battalion was executing a routine patrol when they came under small arms fire. Fortunately, all personnel are accounted for and safe.
Response and Safety Measures
The Defence Forces’ spokesperson reported that immediate action drills were initiated by the troops following the attack. Due to their preparedness and the armored capabilities of their vehicles, all members of the battalion remained unharmed.
Official Reactions
Irish Defence Minister Helen McEntee condemned the assault, labeling it a direct violation of a UN Security Council resolution. She noted, “This incident constitutes a direct and unacceptable breach of the UN Security Council Resolution.”
McEntee praised the professionalism displayed by the forces during these challenging circumstances, expressing relief that all members returned safely to base.
Details of the Attack
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) provided additional details about the incident. According to their report, patrol members were approached by six individuals on three mopeds near Bint Jbeil. One of these individuals reportedly fired three shots into the back of the vehicle.
UNIFIL’s Position
UNIFIL strongly condemned the attack, emphasizing the necessity to protect peacekeepers. They reminded the Lebanese authorities of their responsibilities regarding the safety of peacekeeping forces and called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
Ireland’s Peacekeeping Commitment
Currently, over 300 peacekeepers from Ireland are stationed at Camp Shamrock in southern Lebanon. The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the region is scheduled to conclude in 2027, highlighting the ongoing need for security and stability oversight.
