Name of deceased soldier confirmed by Defence Forces

The Defence Forces have released details of the soldier who was killed on Active Service in Lebanon last night.

The deceased is 23-year-old Private Seán Rooney from Donegal.

Private Rooney joined the Defence Forces in March 2019 and his home unit is the 27 Infantry Battalion in Dundalk. He previously served overseas with the 119 Infantry Battalion UNIFIL. Private Rooney was a native of Newtowncunningham, Co. Donegal.

One of the soldiers who was injured in the incident is Private Shane Kearney from Cork.

Private Kearney joined the Defence Forces in October 2018 and his home Unit is 1 Cavalry Squadron in Collins Barracks Cork. He previously served overseas with the 117 Infantry Battalion UNIFIL. Private Kearney is 22 years of age and is a native of Killeagh, Co. Cork.

The incident happened at 9.15pm Irish time last night when eight members of the 121st Infantry Battalion, UNIFIL, travelling in two Armoured Utility Vehicles (AUVs) came under small arms fire.