The 69th Infantry Group will be the last Irish Defence Forces unit to deploy to Lebanon as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The deployment marks the end of a 48-year contribution to the UN mission, which has been active in the country since 1978. The group will leave Lebanon after their mandate ends on December 31.
UNIFIL confirmed it will begin withdrawing from southern Lebanon as its mandate concludes. The Irish Defence Forces have maintained a consistent presence in the region, with the 69th Infantry Group being the final unit to take part. Defence Minister Heather Humphreys made a public visit to the Dundalk barracks, where Private Sean Rooney was based, to bid farewell to the unit. She vowed to pursue justice for the murdered soldier, whose case remains under investigation.
The Irish military’s involvement in Lebanon has been a key part of its international peacekeeping efforts. The 69th Infantry Group’s deployment is the culmination of a long-standing commitment to UNIFIL, which has aimed to stabilize the region and support local governance. The withdrawal is expected to be a quiet and symbolic event, reflecting the end of a significant chapter in Ireland’s foreign military engagement.
