An Irish soldier killed on a UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon has been named Donegal native Seán Rooney.
The 23-year-old - originally from Newtoncunningham - died when an armoured vehicle he was travelling in came under attack by a mob and was fired on in Beirut on Wednesday night.
Private Rooney was pronounced dead on arrival at a hospital near Sidon, while three others have been left injured, with one having surgery and left in serious condition.
Read more: "Deep sense of shock" as Irish soldier killed on peacekeeping mission
The Donegal man was a member of the 121st Infantry Battalion, UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon), having joined the Defence Forces in March 2019.
"On 14 December 2022 at approx 2115hrs (Irish time), a serious incident took place involving members of 121st Infantry Battalion, UNIFIL.
"A convoy of two (2) Armoured Utility Vehicles (AUVs) carrying eight (8) personnel travelling to Beirut came under small arms fire.
"4 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 other two soldiers are being treated for minor injuries.
"The remaining 4 personnel from the convoy were not injured and are safe & 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 will commence into this incident."
The Republic's Defence Minister Simon Coveney said he was informed about the "serious incident" in the early hours of Thursday morning.
"It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of shock that I have subsequently learned of the death of one of our peacekeepers and of the serious injuries to one other," he said.
"At this time I want to express, on behalf of everyone in Ireland, our utmost sorrow at the loss of a young man serving his country and the United Nations overseas. To his family I want to say sorry for their heartbreak and loss.
"To the families of those injured, I want you to know the Defence Forces will do everything to care for and support your loved ones.
"To the wider Defence Force family and to all those who serve overseas, I know how deeply you will feel this loss and I know the support you will give each other will be vital in the days and weeks ahead."
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