Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Sunday, Jun 22, 2025

Irish peacekeeper’s death ramps up Lebanon security fears

Irish peacekeeper’s death ramps up Lebanon security fears

An Irish soldier working in a UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon was killed when his armored convoy came under fire during clashes with residents in the southern Lebanese town of Al-Aqabiya.
The command of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon confirmed that a member of the Irish peacekeeping unit died and three others were wounded in the incident late on Wednesday.

The development has added to security concerns after the Lebanese parliament on Thursday failed, for the 10th time, to elect a new president.

Al-Aqabiya lies outside the southern Litani region, UNIFIL’s area of operation under Resolution 1701, and the peacekeeping force has no mandate there.

Although the shooting incident is the first of its kind, disputes have previously occurred between UNIFIL and residents of several southern towns after soldiers allegedly entered private property or photographed residential neighborhoods.

Hezbollah supporters frequently object to the peacekeeping force’s activities.

UNIFIL spokesman Andrea Tenenti said: “A peacekeeper was killed last night and three others were injured in an accident that occurred in Al-Aqabiya, near Sarafand, outside UNIFIL’s area of operation in southern Lebanon.”

Some reports of the incident suggest a UNIFIL vehicle rolled over near Al-Aqabiya after coming under fire. Nearby residents had complained about the vehicle using a private road.

Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV said that the convoy was traveling without a Lebanese escort north of the Litani River, when the Irish soldier’s vehicle deviated from the main approved highway.

The TV report claimed the vehicle struck a group of young people gathered in the street to watch a World Cup game, injuring one person.

“Instead of stopping, it sped up and crashed into other vehicles. It turned over just as it came under fire from light weapons. The Irish soldiers and the citizen who was run over were rushed to the hospital,” the report said.

The Irish Defense Forces confirmed that the soldier was killed “when a convoy of two armored vehicles, carrying eight soldiers and heading toward Beirut, came under light weapons fire.”

One wounded soldier was in a critical condition and underwent surgery after the incident, while two others were treated for minor injuries, it said.

Lebanese officials immediately condemned the incident, while international officials, including the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Joanna Wronecka, called for an investigation.

“Those responsible for the killing of the Irish soldier must be held accountable,” British Ambassador to Lebanon Ian Collard said.

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said that authorities must investigate the incident, but urged all parties to show patience.

Wafiq Safa, Hezbollah coordination and liaison officer, said that the security services should be allowed to investigate the incident.

MP Ashraf Rifi said: “The attack on UNIFIL is an additional crime committed by Hezbollah in the name of ‘local residents,’ against Lebanon and its stability.”

He said that those responsible must be brought to justice, “otherwise (this incident) will perpetuate the power of illegal weapons and lead to the final suspension of Resolution 1701, which constitutes a guarantee for Lebanon.”
Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
WATCH: Israeli forces show the aftermath of a massive airstrike at Iran's Isfahan nuclear site
We have new information and breaking details to share about what is shaping up to be a historic air campaign tonight
Six Massive Bombs Dropped on Fordow; Trump: 'A Historic Moment for the U.S., Israel, and the World'
Fordow: Deeply Buried Iranian Enrichment Site in U.S.–Israel Crosshairs
United States Conducts Precision Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites
US strikes Iran nuclear sites, Trump says
Pakistan to nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize.
Israel Confirms Assassination of Quds Force Commander in Tehran
16 Billion Login Credentials Leaked in Unprecedented Cybersecurity Breach
Senate hearing on who was 'really running' Biden White House kicks off
G7 Leaders Fail to Reach Consensus on Key Global Issues
Mass exodus in Tehran as millions try to flee following Trump’s evacuation order
Iranian Military Officers Reportedly Seek Contact with Reza Pahlavi, Signal Intent to Defect
Vietnam Emerges as Luxury Yacht Destination for Ultra‑Rich
China's Iranian Oil Imports Face Disruption Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
Trump Demands Iran's Unconditional Surrender Amid Escalating Conflict
Israeli Airstrike Targets Iranian State TV in Central Tehran
President Trump is leaving the G7 summit early and has ordered the National Security Council to the Situation Room
Netanyahu Signals Potential Regime Change in Iran
Analysts Warn Iran May Resort to Unconventional Warfare
Iranian Regime Faces Existential Threat Amid Conflict
Energy Infrastructure Becomes War Zone in Middle East
Iran Conducts Ballistic Missile Launches Amid Heightened Tensions with Israel
Iran Signals Openness to Nuclear Negotiations Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions
Shock Within Iran’s Leadership: Khamenei’s Failed Plan to Launch 1,000 Missiles Against Israel
Trump's Anti-War Stance Tested Amid Israel-Iran Conflict
UK Deploys Jets to Middle East Amid Rising Tensions
Exiled Iranian Prince Reza Pahlavi Urges Overthrow of Khamenei Regime
Wreck of $17 Billion San José Galleon Identified Off Colombia After 300 Years
Iran Launches Extensive Missile Attack on Israel Following Israeli Strikes on Nuclear Sites
Israel Issues Ultimatum to Iran Over Potential Retaliation and Nuclear Facilities
Black Box Recovered from Air India Crash Site
Coinbase CEO Warns Bitcoin Could Supplant US Dollar Amid Mounting National Debt
Trump to Iran: Make a Deal — Sign or Die
Operation "Like a Lion": Israel Strikes Iran in Unprecedented Offensive
Israel Launches 'Operation Rising Lion' Targeting Iranian Nuclear and Military Sites
Israeli Forces Intercept Gaza-Bound Aid Vessel Carrying Greta Thunberg
IMF Warns of Severe Global Trade War Impacts on Emerging Markets
Syria to Reconnect to Global Economy After 14 Years of Isolation
Israel Confirms Arming Gaza Clan to Counter Hamas Influence
Global News Roundup: From Ukraine's strategic military strikes and Russia's demands and Tensions Escalate in Ukraine, to serious legal issues faced by Britons in Bali and Trump's media criticism, the latest developments highlight a turbulent landscape
U.S. Reduces Military Presence in Syria
Trump Demands Iran End All Uranium Enrichment in Nuclear Talks
Iran Warns Europe Against Politicizing UN Nuclear Report
Paris Saint-Germain's Greatest Triumph Is Football’s Lowest Point
OPEC+ Agrees to Increase Oil Output for Third Consecutive Month
Turkey Detains Istanbul Officials Amid Anti-Corruption Crackdown
Meta and Anduril Collaborate on AI-Driven Military Augmented Reality Systems
EU Central Bank Pushes to Replace US Dollar with Euro as World’s Main Currency
European and Arab Ministers Convene in Madrid to Address Gaza Conflict
×