Members of the 127th Infantry Battalion serving in Lebanon, pictured in Athlone's Custume Barracks, prior to their deployment, on October 31. Photo: Paulina Kusa.

Irish peacekeepers 'accounted for' after coming under fire in Lebanon

Adrian Cusack

Published: Fri 5 Dec 2025, 10:30 AM

Last updated: Fri 5 Dec 2025, 10:41 AM

The Irish peacekeeping battalion which is serving as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been fired upon.

The Defence Forces has confirmed that all of the Irish troops "are well and accounted for" following the incident, which has been condemned this morning by the Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee.

The 127th Infantry battalion, which deployed on the peacekeeping mission last month after a formal review by then-Defence Minister Simon Harris in Athlone's Custume Barracks, consists of more than 300 men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann, including 31 from Westmeath and 22 from Offaly.

The battalion is being led by Lt Col Mark Lennon, from Ballymahon.

In a post on social media this morning (Friday), the Defence Forces said a patrol conducted by the 127th Infantry Battalion had come under small arms fire.

"Defence Forces personnel initiated immediate action drills and their actions and force protection measures as well as the armoured capabilities of the vehicles they were conducting the patrol in ensured the safety of all troops, who returned to UNP 2-45 following the patrol," it said.

"All our personnel are well and accounted for, proving 127 Infantry Battalion's readiness through their tactics, techniques and procedures, their pre-deployment training and their equipment.

"We will continue to enact the UNIFIL mandate by monitoring and reporting on the situation in Southern Lebanon and condemn any attacks on peacekeepers," it added.

Echoing this condemnation of the incident, Defence Minister Helen McEntee said it had occurred near Bint Jbeil.

"This incident constitutes a direct and unacceptable breach of the UN Security Council Resolution," said Minister McEntee.

"I have been fully briefed by the Chief of Staff, and I want to commend the personnel involved for their professionalism in extremely challenging circumstances. I am particularly relieved that all members of the patrol returned safely to base.

"Defence Forces personnel continue to play a vital role in South Lebanon, and their commitment and conduct remain of the highest standard," she concluded.