Lebanon: Israeli forces have dropped grenades near an Irish UN peacekeeping base in southern Lebanon using a military drone, according to officials. The attack, which occurred near UN position 6-52 in Maroun al-Ras, caused no injuries among the Irish troops stationed there.
The incident took place as members of the Irish Defence Forces, serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), were assisting local residents in clearing bombs and debris from damaged homes. It happened just a few kilometres from Shamrock UNP 2-45, a key Irish base near At Tiri.
In a statement, UNIFIL said the first set of grenades exploded roughly 500 metres from the peacekeepers. Shortly afterward, a group of drones flew overhead, detonating about 30–40 metres away. A third wave of drone grenades returned around 20 minutes later, exploding just 20 metres above the troops.
UNIFIL confirmed that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) had been informed in advance of the humanitarian operation taking place in the area. The mission said it had contacted Israeli authorities immediately after the attack, urging a ceasefire and warning that such actions represent a serious violation of UN Security Council resolutions.
The Irish Defence Forces later confirmed that all members of the 126th Infantry Battalion deployed in the Irish–Polish battalion area were safe. “The incident near Maroun al-Ras involved members of the 126th Infantry Battalion operating within the IrishPol battalion area. No personnel were injured. Our soldiers continue to perform effectively and fulfil their mission,” the statement read.
The Irish contingent serves alongside Polish troops as part of UNIFIL’s peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon. The latest incident comes amid growing tensions between Israel and the United Nations, with Israel reportedly pressuring the United States to veto the renewal of UNIFIL’s mandate at the UN Security Council. The mission’s current term runs until 2027, but its future now appears increasingly uncertain.
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