Irish Peacekeepers Unharmed as Rocket Strikes Camp in Lebanon
Hundreds of Irish peacekeepers residing in Camp Shamrock were struck by a rocket attack last night in Lebanon. It is verified that the facility located near At Tiri was not hurt since the rocket fell near its bunkers and accommodation blocks.
Speaking to the media in Athlone, the Irish Defence Forces Chief of Staff confirmed that the incident occurred. The rocket was a Russian-made Katyusha rocket. This is the same rocket that Hezbollah had fired several times towards Israel in August.
The Irish Defence gave a statement, especially for the families of the Irish peacekeepers, that they might be concerned, and therefore, it should be assured that they are all safe.
They added that strong and comprehensive protective measures have been taken to keep the peacekeepers safe as they are continuously working for risk mitigation in the coming days.
They also guaranteed that they are working closely with international partners to obtain information so that future risks could be potentially minimised and better safety is ensured for the peacekeepers.
It is assessed that the rocket strikes were probably travelling from “north to south into Israel” and that Camp Shamrock, which is shared by other nationalities like Polish, was not their main target.
The Camp Shamrock
Camp Shamrock is a safe home for hundreds of Irish peacekeepers. It is located approximately 7 km from Israel’s border, commonly known as United Nations Post 2-45.
Its proximity to towns and villages of the region makes it a prime target, especially when Israel is after the militant group Hezbollah.
Approximately 350 soldiers are presently serving with Unifil, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. They are conducting their peacekeeping duties in the region.
Irish peacekeepers are safe
Lieutenant General Sean Clancy confirmed that all Irish peacekeepers are safe and no injuries are reported. He said,
“It was our assessment, [that the rocket was] travelling from north to south into Israel”.
He was of the view that many of the rocket strikes were “undirected, unguided and unpredictable” which were prevented luckily with the help of the iron dome.
However, they did fall in an area that was unoccupied and no inhabitants were there. Hence, minimal ground damage was recorded and no lives were lost.
Also, he announced that bomb disposal teams were given alerts to seal off the area on Wednesday night. Before declaring the grounds safe on Thursday morning, all the necessary checks were made by the officers.
Mr Clancy stated that the troops were in ‘Level Two’ with the camp when the strikes were made. They went into ‘Groundhog’ after the alarm went off and the rocket hit.
He described that at Level Two, no movement is made and force protection equipment is utilised to ensure maximum protection for the troops. It is even suggested that if movement is unavoidable, then it should be made with extreme precaution.
Taoiseach Simon Harris on Israel rocket strikes
Simon Harris was given briefings about the rocket strikes throughout the night and Camp Shamrock where Irish peacekeepers were residing.
He was content that everyone was safe, still, he condemned the Israeli strikes and called it “unacceptable”.
He added, “This is an extremely serious situation”. He said the Iron Dome destroyed the majority of the rocket strikes.
He said that it is an obligation under international law to safeguard the peacekeepers, be it anywhere in the world.
Micheal Martin shares the same thoughts
Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheal Martin said that Irish peacekeepers are going through rough times while being in Lebanon and have to face challenges each minute.
Therefore, he stressed that “force protection” is necessary.
Further, he emphasised that they are constantly struggling for de-escalation in the region and that Israel, Hamas and Lebanon come to a ceasefire deal that would assure peace for the citizens and the rest of the world.
He highlighted that cooling down the intensity of Israel-Lebanon political friction is mandatory as it might have “serious consequences for the world”.
Mr Martin reiterated that the importance of pulling back from their edges is now compulsory since the situation is getting out of hand.
He said that he realises the risk and their pertinent consequences as the world has been a witness to what has been happening in Gaza. Hence, the same circumstances need to be strictly avoided, as far as possible, in Lebanon.
The Irish peacekeepers’ commander denounced the wounds endured by US forces
Targeting and harming US soldiers earlier this month was denounced by the Irish peacekeepers‘ commander. He also exclaimed that it was “totally unacceptable”.
Such incidents have been increasing in numbers since Israeli troops entered Lebanon for ground and air raids as the intensification of conflict with Hezbollah occurred.
It is reported that at one point, Israel took hold of the positions close to outpost UNP 6-52. This is controlled by Irish troops, situated in the region close to the border between Lebanon and Israel, also known as the Blue Line.
The event for peacekeepers
On Thursday, Michael Martin and Lt Gen Clancy participated in the 125th Battalion of the Defence Forces at Custume Barracks in Athlone. The event was meant to make preparations and affirm for the taking over in Lebanon. The Irish troops and their peacekeeping duties were acknowledged and their next duties were rotated.
FAQs
1. What happened at Camp Shamrock in Lebanon?
A rocket struck near Camp Shamrock, where hundreds of Irish peacekeepers are stationed, but the facility itself and its bunkers remained undamaged. The peacekeepers were unharmed.
2. Was Camp Shamrock the intended target?
No, Irish Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Sean Clancy suggested that the rocket was likely intended for Israel, as it was traveling from north to south into Israeli territory. Camp Shamrock was not considered the target.
3. What kind of rocket was used in the attack?
The rocket was identified as a Russian-made Katyusha rocket. Similar rockets have previously been used by Hezbollah to target Israel.
4. Are all the Irish peacekeepers safe?
Yes, all Irish peacekeepers were confirmed safe, with no injuries reported.
5. What protective measures were taken following the rocket strike?
Following the strike, bomb disposal teams secured the area, and Camp Shamrock was on “Level Two” alert, which limits movement and uses force protection equipment to enhance troop safety.
6. What steps is Ireland taking to address this situation?
Ireland is in close coordination with international partners to gather intelligence, with the aim of preventing future risks and ensuring the safety of peacekeepers.
