Irish troops are stationed across UN positions including UN Post 2‑45 – Camp Shamrock – the mission’s headquarters and forward Post 6‑52, which lies close to the Blue Line—the de facto border between Israel and Lebanon and the focal point of escalating hostilities.
Commandant Alex Quigley, Defence Forces Press Officer, confirmed the situation in the UNIFIL area of operations deteriorated rapidly overnight, prompting commanders to activate “Groundhog” – the Defence Forces’ term for ordering troops into fortified bunkers.
Member of Irish Defence Forces
Irish peacekeepers shelter in bunkers as heavy fire erupts between Hezbollah and Israel
“Our personnel in Lebanon were ordered into Groundhog in the early hours of the morning,” Comdt Quigley told the Irish Independent.
“They remain there due to ongoing fire in the vicinity. The bunkers are specifically designed and outfitted to allow troops to continue maintaining situational awareness and to stay in contact with our forward posts, even under threat.”
A total of 358 Irish Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed in UNIFIL.
In October 2024, a UNIFIL base in Lebanon came under fire. UN sources reported that at that time Israeli troops opened fire at three positions held by UN peacekeepers.
Comdt Quigley said the Irish battalion’s ability to continue monitoring and observation duties — despite being confined to bunkers — is ensured by the advanced communications and command systems within these protected structures.
“This is a volatile and dangerous region,” he said. “But our troops are exceptionally well trained, well prepared and very familiar with drills for situations just like this.”
Beyond Lebanon, Ireland also has Defence Forces personnel deployed with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria — three members in headquarters roles — and 11 personnel with the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO), who are spread across Israel, Syria and Lebanon.
Those members were also placed in Groundhog yesterday due to heightened tensions, though they were later able to emerge once conditions stabilised. The situation in Lebanon, however, remains more volatile.
“All our personnel across Lebanon, Syria and Israel are accounted for and well,” Comdt Quigley confirmed. “Framework operations are ongoing and force protection measures remain in place.”
Commandant Quigley emphasised the Defence Forces recognises the concern among family members at home and maintains two official channels to keep them reassured and informed.
“Each unit deploying overseas appoints a Family Liaison Officer, who families can contact directly with any concerns,” he said. “In addition to that, the Defence Forces Press Office issues updates through social media and the media to assure the public that our troops are safe, accounted for and operating professionally despite the instability.”
Troops also have access to Wi‑Fi inside the camp, allowing them to contact loved ones when safe to do so.
The 127th Infantry Battalion has been preparing for this mission since August of last year.
“They are well trained, well led and fully prepared for the situation they find themselves in,” Comdt Quigley said.