The Chief of Staff of Irish Defence Forces has applauded the “tremendous resilience and commitment” shown by Irish soldiers serving in Lebanon, amid heightened tensions in the region.
Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, spoke following the “considerable kinetic activity” observed over the past 24 hours, following an evacuation warning for residents in 50 villages and towns across southern Lebanon.
“Over the last 24 hours, I think we all can acknowledge there being considerable kinetic activity in the Irish area of operations in particular, but the troops on the ground are doing an extraordinary job in the most difficult circumstances,” he told RTÉ’s Radio 1’s programme.
There are currently 379 Irish Defence Forces personnel serving with the UN’s Unifil mission in south Lebanon, all of whom are “safe and well”, he said.
The role of these soldiers remains to “observe and factually report” what is happening on the ground in Lebanon.
Due to the nature of this job, the soldiers remain stationed on the blue line, the designated line between Israel and Lebanon.
“That brings a heightened level of risk and I understand the stress that that brings on, not only our troops but from their loved ones here at home, their families, their colleagues, their parents, and their wider friends and families,” he said.
Lt Gen Clancy said he is “very conscious” of the force protection and how they can mitigate any risks as they maintain their position during the rising conflict.
He said Tánaiste Micheál Martin also shares this concern, saying he communicates with Mr Martin “regularly, if not hourly” every day and evening with regard to updates on the force.
“We keep this in our discussions and in our planning here at headquarters levels with regards to the force protection and the mitigation of risks to our troops in 114 in particular,” he added.
On Wednesday, the Defence Minister told the that no country can unilaterally pull troops from the Unifil peacekeeping mission.
There have been occasions in the past where troops were unilaterally pulled out and the consequences were terrible, he said.
In terms of the Irish troops currently in Lebanon, Mr Martin assured that they are safe and have been well trained for scenarios such as this:
The reinforcement of several bunkers and shelters and addition of observation points within the camp along with armored fleet, are some of the steps taken by the Unifil group to avoid any casualties.
When pressed further on the subject, Lt Gen Clancy described the situation as “a very heightened escalated environment right now”.
“Casualties in that type of risk environment happen. Of course I have concerns around this and there has to be a cessation of the violence.
“De-escalation is the only way forward, and I think he our own Taoiseach and the Tánaiste himself has said it in terms of this will have to come to a political diplomacy resolution in time,”
In a statement released by the Defence Forces on Wednesday evening, it said: “Our people are highly trained, well equipped, professional, and have undergone rigorous preparation to support them in meeting the demands and significant challenges that come with peacekeeping in this volatile region,”
Lt Gen Clancy expressed his gratitude to the families of all 379 personnel for their “support and understanding” of those in Lebanon at this time.
“I know those that are serving abroad at the moment are very grateful.. It simply would not be possible for us to do what we do without the support of those we love,” he said.
