LATEST: Irish peacekeepers in southern Lebanon "accounted for and safe" despite invasion by Israeli troops
"Our personnel remain committed to their peacekeeping mission..."
The Irish Defence Forces have confirmed that Irish personnel on UN peacekeeping duties in southern Lebanon remain safe despite overnight incursions by Israeli troops.
Israel said its paratroops and commandos carried out "limited, localised, and targeted ground raids" against Hezbollah in villages in southern Lebanon.
The Irish Defence Forces said this morning that it could confirm that while the situation is tense, all Irish personnel "remain accounted for and safe".
A spokesperson added: "They remain vigilant and are maintaining force protection measures.
"Defence Forces headquarters remain in regular contact with our personnel on the ground."
Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy said: "Following the events in Southern Lebanon last night and this morning, I want to reassure the families of our personnel deployed in the region that the safety of our troops is our utmost priority, and we appreciate the support from their families during this time.
"We are in constant contact with them and are actively monitoring the situation on the ground.
"While the current circumstances are challenging, our personnel remain committed to their peacekeeping mission and are well trained to handle any increased volatility."
For families of personnel serving in Lebanon, support is available through the Personnel Support Service which can be contacted at [email protected] and through Unit Liaison Officers which can be contacted through a local Barracks.