An Irish UNIFIL soldier walks through a destroyed village in southern Lebanon.(Image: Defence Forces)

Shock images show full scale of devastation in Lebanon area where Irish soldiers are operating

The Irish soldiers can bee seen walking through destroyed villages

20 Oct 2024, 16:25 by Michael O'Toole · Irish Mirror

These shock photos show the full scale of destruction in the area of southern Lebanon where hundreds of Irish peacekeepers are operating.

Images released by the Defence Forces show personnel from the 124^th Infantry Battalion walking through towns and villages devastated by weeks of Israeli attacks.

The 370 Irish soldiers are based in the part of southern Lebanon invaded by Israel two weeks ago – in a bid to destroy Hezbollah who have fired thousands of rockets and missiles from the country into the Jewish state for more than a year.

Some 60,000 people have had to flee northern Israel because of the attacks and Israel has gone on the attack to take on Hezbollah - but at massive cost to Lebanon and its people, tens of thousands of whom have also been displaced.

Irish soldiers in war-torn southern Lebanon(Image: Defence Forces)

Despite demands by Israel, the Irish have refused to leave the zone – and these photos released by the Defence Forces on Sunday show the full scale of the horror unleashed on the area. One striking image shows a lone soldier walking through a street where every house has been devastated by bombs and missiles.

Another shows two soldiers in another hellscape. And the images also show the soldiers are still doing their work - despite the risks.

An Irish UNIFIL patrol sweeping a road for mines.(Image: Defence Forces)

Other images show the soldiers being briefed at their main base - UNP2-45, Camp Shamrock - before heading out on a dangerous mission in Mowag armoured cars.

The Defence Forces confirmed on Sunday that all Irish personnel in UNIFIL were safe and accounted for.

A pre mission briefing at Camp Shamrock for the Irish troops.(Image: Defence Forces)

And they revealed that today, as part of an operation called Fág an Bealach - Clear The Way - the Irish and Polish soldiers in the battalion were resupplied with water and food.

The battalion has three posts - 2-45, also known as Shamrock and UNP6-52, the Irish outpost on the border, or Blue Line, and UNP6-50, which is staffed by Polish soldiers. A Defence Force statement also said UNIFIL commander, Spain's Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro Sáen, used the opportunity to visit the area.

The Defence Force said: "Today as part of Operation Fág an Bealach, UNP 6-52 and UNP 6-50 were successfully resupplied, thanks to the successful route clearance operation from UNP 2-45 to both locations.

Defence Forces Mowag armoured cars in Southern Lebanon.

"This multi-phase operation was meticulously planned with the force protection of the soldiers being a priority. A broad spectrum of skills and capabilities within the 124th Inf Bn were utilised to ensure safety and mission success.

"The Force Commander Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz, also took this opportunity to visit the Blue Line positions. The sustainment of the Blue Line Posts will allow for the continued occupation and operation from these positions.

"Irish peacekeepers continue to monitor and report any violations of UNSCR 1701 by all parties involved, maintaining an independent and impartial stance."

Sign up to the Irish Mirror'sdaily newsletter hereand get breaking news and top stories direct to your inbox.