An Irish soldier, who was part of a UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon, has been killed and three others injured after their convoy was attacked near Beirut.

Two armoured utility vehicles (AUVs) carrying members of 121st Infantry Battalion to the Lebanese capital, came under small arms fire near Sidon, around 30 miles to the south, on Wednesday evening.

Four personnel were taken to Raee Hospital, near Sidon, where one soldier was pronounced dead on arrival, the Irish army said in a statement.

Another soldier has had surgery and is in a serious condition while the other two are being treated for minor injuries, the army said.

A medical officer from the 121st Infantry Battalion is currently with the soldiers in Raee Hospital, while the other four personnel were not injured and are safe and accounted for, the force added.

The soldier who died was part of a peacekeeping mission, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

The names of those involved have not been released, but the victims’ families have been informed, the Irish army said.

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The UN said it is working with the Lebanese armed forces and has launched an investigation, while the UNIFIL said details are “sparse and conflicting”.

In a statement, the Irish army expressed its “deep regret” at the soldier’s death.

It said: “On 14 December 2022 at approximately 9.15pm (Irish time), a serious incident took place involving members of 121st Infantry Battalion, UNIFIL.

“A convoy of two Armoured Utility Vehicles (AUVs) carrying eight personnel travelling to Beirut came under small arms fire.”

The army’s chief of staff, Lieutenant General Sean Clancy said: “We in Óglaigh na hÉireann (the Irish army) are deeply shocked and saddened by the news of this tragic event and the loss of one of our peacekeepers.

“Our focus now is to ensure the safety and continued support for all our personnel deployed in Lebanon. A full investigation will commence into this incident.”

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said it was a reminder “that our peacekeepers serve in dangerous circumstances, at all times, in the cause of peace”.

Ireland’s President Michael D Higgins offered his “deepest condolences” to the family of the dead soldier.

The 121st Infantry Battalion, made up of more than 300 Irish soldiers, are part of a multinational battalion, comprising Irish, Maltese, Polish and Hungarian personnel deployed to South Lebanon in November.

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