Very sad news.
An Irish soldier serving with a UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon has died after his convoy came under attack on Wednesday (14 December).
In a statement on Thursday, the Irish Defence Forces said the “serious incident” occurred at around 9.15pm Irish time and involved members of the 121st Infantry Battalion with UNIFIL.
“A convoy of two Armoured Utility Vehicles carrying eight personnel travelling to Beirut came under small arms fire,” it stated.
“Four personnel were taken to Raee Hospital, near Sidon, as a result of the incident.
“One soldier was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital and another has undergone surgery and is in a serious condition.”
It is with deep regret that Óglaigh na hÉireann can confirm the death of one of our peacekeepers in a serious incident in Lebanon last night.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
1/4 pic.twitter.com/YrnFOVBjkV
— Óglaigh na hÉireann (@defenceforces) December 15, 2022
The Defence Forces also said the other two soldiers are being treated for minor injuries.
Meanwhile, the remaining four people from the convoy were not injured and are safe and accounted for.
The names of personnel are not being released at this time, but the families of those involved have been informed.
A full investigation into the attack will be launched.
We are deeply shocked and saddened at the loss of life of one of our peacekeepers in Lebanon, and the serious injuries to another.
It is a reminder to us all of the extraordinary sacrifices our peacekeepers make, in at times hostile and very dangerous environments. #EUCO pic.twitter.com/ioxXXb29Kh
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) December 15, 2022
Leading the tributes to the solider was Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who said he was “deeply shocked and very saddened” at the loss of life.
“It is a reminder to us of the extraordinary sacrifice that our peacekeepers make on a constant basis,” he told reporters.
“They operate in at times hostile and very difficult environments and we should always be conscious of that.
“Our deepest sympathies go to the family of the soldier that we’ve lost.
“Our thoughts are with the family today because this is the worst possible news for them at this time of the year.”
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