A former high ranking member of the Defence Forces from Roscommon is reassuring the families of Irish Peacekeepers in Lebanon as to their safety. Retired Brigadier General Ger Aherne has been speaking as Irish troops find themselves close the front lines in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. There are currently over 300 members of Irish Defence Forces soldiers on a UNIFIL mission at Camp Shamrock and at various outposts in the country. IDF troops and armoured vehicles have based themselves adjacent to Irish Outpost UNP 6-52 southeast of Marun ar Ras.
Israel has asked UN Forces to evacuate the area, with UNIFIL commanders refusing the request over the weekend. The Tánaiste, President and numerous other Irish and UN officials have condemned the interference in the UN peacekeeping mission. Speaking to the Joe Finnegan Show, Ger Aherne assured the families of Irish Peacekeepers that our troops are well protected:
