HUNDREDS OF IRISH troops deployed to Lebanon are returning home today after completing their six-month tour of duty.

Some 240 members of the 105th Battalion are due to arrive in Dublin Airport this afternoon.

The 200 other members of the battalion returned to Ireland last week.

The last of the group’s replacements – the 106th Battalion – were deployed to Lebanon earlier this week and are to join 130 Finnish troops. The combined Irish-Finnish Battalion will operate under Irish command.

UNIFIL

Over 11,800 international uniformed troops were involved in the UNIFIL mission as of 31 March.

The United Nation Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was mandated by the UN Security Council in March 1978 to confirm Israeli withdrawl from south Lebanon, restore peace and security, and assist the Lebanese government in restoring its authority in the area.

Since 1978, 294 members of the UNIFIL mission have been killed during their deployment, including 47 Irish troops.

Over 35 countries have contributed military personnel to the mission.

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More