An Irish soldier serving with the UN peacekeeping mission has died after a convoy came under attack on Wednesday night, the Defence Forces has confirmed.
At approximately 9:15pm Irish time, a two-vehicle convoy carrying members of the 121st Infantry Battalion the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNFIL) came under "small arms fire" while travelling to Beirut, according to the Defence Forces. Four members were taken to hospital and one Irish soldier was killed, RTE News reports.
Another soldier is in serious condition and has undergone surgery following the incident. Two other two soldiers are also being treated for minor injuries, and a medical officer from the 121st Infantry Battalion is currently with the soldiers in Raee Hospital.
Read more: Dublin car owners warned of man 'deflating tyres and leaving notes'
In a statement, the Defence Forces confirmed that a "full investigation" has been launched into the incident, and that the families of those involved have been informed. They said: "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.
"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.
"The names of personnel are not being released at this time, but the families of those involved have been informed," added a Defence Forces spokesman.
The 121st Infantry Battalion which comprises of 333 Irish soldiers was deployed to south Lebanon in November as part of the United Nation Interim Force in Lebanon (UNFIL). In a statement this morning, President Michael D Higgins said he learned of the news of the Irish soldier's death “with the deepest sorrow”.
He said: "It is with the deepest sorrow that I was this morning informed of the news of the death of a member of the Defence Forces serving on a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. As a people, we take great pride in our unbroken record of peacekeeping with the United Nations.
"However, we must never forget the dangers that come with this work, or how the members of our Defence Forces serving on peacekeeping missions abroad risk their lives every day in order to build and maintain peace in conflict zones across the world,” he said.
“As President of Ireland and Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces, it is with a heavy heart, and conscious of the great loss it will represent to them, that I offer my deepest condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of the member of the Defence Forces who has lost their life.
"A life lost serving the people of Ireland, serving the United Nations, and serving all those wishing for peace in our shared world. May I also wish a speedy recovery to those other members of the Defence Forces injured in the incident. Our thoughts are with them at this time.”
The Defence Forces confirmed that an investigation will commence into the incident.
READ NEXT:
- Dublin Bus hiring bus drivers and more in 'biggest recruitment drive in history'
The Monk 'willing to throw his own brother under the bus', says Dowdall
Football legend Paul McGrath surprises fans with pizza delivery
One person rushed to hospital after car crashes into two lorries on Naas Road
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
