The murder has been blamed on members of Hezbollah, the largest paramilitary and political grouping in Lebanon
Tánaiste Mícheál Martin flew into Lebanon last night to meet Irish troops serving in the war torn south of the country – and to demand justice for murdered Private Sean Rooney.
Read More: Controversial triple lock policy stopped Irish naval service joining operation to tackle international drug smugglers From that meeting in Beirut, the Tánaiste will be transported under heavy Defence Forces protection down south to Camp Shamrock , where 391 Irish soldiers are serving as United Nations peacekeepers. Our blue helmets have served in the area since 1978 -0 and 48 of them, including Pte Rooney, have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Hezbollah is mounting attacks on northern Israel to take Israeli resources away from its onslaught on Gaza and has now fired thousands of rockets and missiles as part of that campaign. But Israel always hits back and the Irish area has frequently been targeted – although not the UN bases there directly.
Speaking ahead of the visit, the Tánaiste said the Irish soldiers were doing vital work. He said: “I am very much looking forward to meeting our peacekeepers who serve with such distinction in UNIFIL, and in a very challenging environment amid escalating tensions due to the war in Gaza.
Lebanon Hezbollah Defence Forces
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tánaiste to pursue case of Pte Seán Rooney during visit to Lebanon, conference toldDonegal man (24) was killed in an attack on a convoy of Irish peacekeepers in December 2022
Read more »
Tanaiste to push for progress on Sean Rooney trial in weekend talks with LebanonFive men have been formally charged over the murder but only one man, Mohamad Ayyad, was placed in custody and he has now been released on bail
Read more »
Heartbroken fiancee's plaque on stunning memorial to fallen Private Sean RooneyPrivate Rooney, whose family hail from Donegal and Dundalk, was buried with full military honours and laid to rest in the village of Newtowncunningham, Co. Donegal
Read more »
Terry Anderson: US journalist held hostage nearly seven years in Lebanon dies at 76Former chief Middle East correspondent came to symbolise the plight of western hostages during Lebanon’s 1975-1990 civil war
Read more »
Israel 'carrying out offensive action' in south LebanonIsraeli forces are carrying out 'offensive action' across southern Lebanon, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has said, without specifying whether ground troops had crossed the border.
Read more »
Unicef says conflict has forced 90,000 from their homes in southern LebanonThe UN children’s agency says a full-scale war with Israel would affect 1.3m children in Lebanon
Read more »