The soldiers, part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), arrived at Dublin Airport after a six-month deployment in South Lebanon.
Emotional reunions filled the arrivals hall as families and loved ones welcomed the troops with tears, cheers, flags, balloons, and heartfelt posters.
During their deployment, the Irish contingent operated in the IRISHPOLBATT Area of Operations (AO) amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. On several occasions, the troops were forced to take shelter in fortified positions and bunkers as the area came under fire.
Last month, a UNIFIL outpost on the Israel-Lebanon border sustained damage during clashes between the two sides. Communication challenges also affected the troops, as WiFi services in the region were disrupted months ago, limiting contact with their families.
The battalion was deployed in May as part of UNIFIL’s Chapter 6 Peace Support Operations, alongside personnel from Malta, Poland, and Hungary, making up a total of 341 troops. The Irish contingent ranged in age from 19 to 58, with 92 members serving overseas for the first time with the Defence Forces.