An Irish soldier has been killed and a second seriously injured in a serious incident in Lebanon.
They were among 8 Irish personnel travelling in a convoy of armoured vehicles which came under attack.
A statement from the Defence Forces this morning outlines the tragic events which unfolded in Lebanon.
8 Irish soldiers were travelling to Beirut in convoy of two Armoured Utility Vehicles when they came under small arms fire just after 9 o'clock last night Irish time.
Four soldiers were rushed to Raee Hospital near Sidon.
One was pronounced dead on arrival, a second was rushed to surgery and is now in a serious condition.
The two others were treated for minor injuries, while the other 4 Irish soldiers were not injured and are safe and accounted for.
The names of those involved aren't being released by the Defence Forces right now, but their families have been informed.
In a statement the Defence Minister says he learned of the death of the Irish soldier with 'profound sadness and a deep sense of shock'.
Simon Coveney 's expressed 'utmost sorrow' on behalf of the people of Ireland and says a full investigation must be carried out.
The President says he learned of the death of an Irish soldier in Lebanon with 'deepest sorrow'.
In a statement President Higgins, who is also Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces, offered his condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of the peacekeeper who died and wished a speedy recovery to the other personnel injured in the attack.
"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."
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.
1/4 pic.twitter.com/YrnFOVBjkV— Óglaigh na hÉireann (@defenceforces) December 15, 2022
