Irish Defence Forces confirm Limerick troops 'accounted for and safe' amid Middle East conflict

AT PRESENT, Limerick troops serving with UNIFIL, or the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, are "all accounted for and are safe," according to a spokesperson for the Irish Defence Forces.

UNIFIL has seen tensions in the region, resulting in all 342 Irish and Maltese personnel from the 122nd Infantry Battalion going "into Groundhog," or taking shelter in protected positions, this Monday at 1:25pm.

A spokesperson for the Defence Forces said: "The troops continue to monitor the situation from protected positions. This was as a result of exchanges of fire across the Blue Line."

The Blue Line is on Lebanon's southern frontier, between Israel.

"They remain in Groundhog but recent reports indicate that the firing is dissipating. Once safe to do so they will continue to conduct planned framework operations," added the statement.

In May of this year, the 122nd Infantry Battalion, stationed at Sarsfield Barracks, embarked on a six-month deployment as part of an international peacekeeping mission.

Addressing the contingent at Sarsfield Barracks at the time, the Tánaiste said: "Peacekeeping is the most important international action for good that any nation can participate in and you personify our nation’s commitment to that noble cause."