One Irish soldier has been killed in Lebanon and another has been seriously injured after a convoy came under attack.
He was serving as part of a UN peacekeeping mission in the 121st Infantry Battalion.
The incident happened at around 9.15pm Irish time when two armed vehicles, carrying eight people, were travelling to Beirut. The convoy came "under small arms fire", according to a statement from the Defence Forces, and four peacekeeping soldiers were hit.
READ MORE: Footage shows Irish soldiers come under attack in Lebanon
The soldier was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital and another has undergone surgery and is in a "serious condition".
Two other soldiers are being treated for minor injuries at Raee Hospital, near Sidon.
The Irish Defence Forces issued a statement on Thursday morning confirming the death. It read: "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.
"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."
Defence Minister Simon Coveney said: "I was informed by the Chief of Staff in the early hours of this morning of a serious incident involving Irish troops serving in Lebanon as part of UNIFIL.
"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.
"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.
"As Minister for Defence and for Foreign Affairs I am currently in New York for a meeting of the UN Security Council. I will return to Ireland this evening after I meet with the UN Secretary General to discuss the loss of our peacekeeper and the full investigation that must now follow."
President Michael D Higgins, the Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces, issued a statement expressing his "deepest sorrow" at the news of a soldier who lost his life "serving all those wishing for peace in our shared world".
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.
"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.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin also issued a statement this morning expressing his shock at the incident and sent his "deepest sympathies" to the man’s family.
He said: "It is with a deep sense of sadness and shock that I have learned of the death of one of our UNIFIL peacekeepers, and serious injuries to another, in an incident in Lebanon.
"I want to express the heartfelt sorrow of the Government of Ireland at the loss of a young person serving overseas with the United Nations.
"In particular, I extend to his family our deepest sympathies for the terrible loss they have suffered.
"It is a reminder that our peacekeepers serve in dangerous circumstances, at all times, in the cause of peace.
"Our thoughts are with his colleagues, and to the wider Defence Forces family and all who serve overseas, we know how deeply you will feel this loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
The Chief of Staff of Óglaigh na hÉireann, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, said: “We in Óglaigh na hÉireann are deeply shocked and saddened by the news of this tragic event and the loss of one of our peacekeepers. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and his fellow peacekeepers from the 121st Infantry Battalion.
"Our thoughts are also with those who were injured last night and their families and friends. We have one of our medical officers currently at Raee Hospital and we will ensure that our personnel get the best possible care. Our focus now is to ensure the safety and continued support for all our personnel deployed in Lebanon."
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