Kilkenny-based troops gear up for Middle East deployment as situation on ground remains volatile

Troops based at the James Stephens Barracks in Kilkenny are preparing for their upcoming deployment to the Middle East, amid a volatile situation on the ground at the Lebanon/Israel border.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin will review the 123rd Infantry Battalion for duty with UNIFIL at Kilkenny Castle on October 31.

Meanwhile, the Irish troops of the 122nd Infantry Battalion in UNIFIL, currently situated there, were forced to take shelter in protected positions on Friday as a result of exchanges of fire across the Blue Line. Israel launched attacks near their base in south Lebanon and a number of journalists were injured and one killed by Israeli fire last week. A rocket also hit UNIFIL's headquarters in Naquora.