#irish-defence-forces

#irish-defence-forces

In May this year, Irish soldiers of the 126th Infantry Battalion, patrolling with the Lebanese Armed Forces near the village of Yaroun in southern Lebanon were fired on by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). The incident lasted for around half an hour, with 30 shots reportedly fired. The Irish soldiers didn't return fire. They followed protocol and returned to their base.

I want to firstly send my best wishes to the Irish Defence Forces personnel affected in today's incident. While I am very pleased to report that all personnel are safe and well, the fact they came under fire while on patrol is deeply worrying.

The loss of a colleague and friend, with as vast an experience as his, is felt throughout his whole unit and the wider Defence Forces.