Irish battalion unharmed following attack in south Lebanon

All personnel from an Irish Defence Forces battalion are safe after being targeted with small arms fire in southern Lebanon. The event took place around 18:30 Irish time (20:30 local time) on Thursday.

A spokesperson for the Defence Forces reported that the 127 Infantry Battalion, which is part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), was on a routine patrol when the attack occurred. UNIFIL is a peacekeeping mission established in 1978 to monitor conflicts and support humanitarian access in the region.

The spokesperson confirmed that the troops responded immediately with safety drills and protective measures, and the armoured vehicles they were using ensured everyone remained unharmed.

The Irish forces will continue carrying out their UNIFIL duties by observing and reporting developments in southern Lebanon. Authorities strongly condemned any assaults on peacekeepers.

Currently, Ireland has roughly 300 personnel stationed at its Camp Shamrock base in southern Lebanon. UN operations in Lebanon are scheduled to conclude in 2027, with Irish forces expected to withdraw by that time.

Author: Grace Ellison