UN peacekeepers to leave Lebanon by 2027
The UN peacekeeping operation in Lebanon is to be brought to a close in 2027, it was decided today. The mandate for the mission was extended until the end of 2026, with an agreement for withdrawal of troops by the end of 2027.
For almost 50 years, military personnel from Athlone have served with UNIFIL (the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon). The first Irish troops to serve in the mission in May 1978 were drawn from the Western Command in Custume Barracks and served in Lebanon under the command of Comdt Ivor O'Hanlon.
The UNSC today voted to extend the mandate of UNIFIL for a final time until December 31, 2026, and to start an orderly and safe drawdown and withdrawal from that date and within one year.
The mandate is renewed annually and had been due to expire on August 31.
Noting today's decision by the UNSC, Tánaiste Simon Harris said: “The Defence Forces have participated proudly in this mission for over 40 years and contributed significantly to stabilising the region during that time. 47 members of the Defence Forces have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace in Lebanon and we remember them and their families at this time."
The end of the UNIFIL mission will bring to a close Athlone's almost 50-year association with the mission, with military personnel based in the town contributing significantly to UNIFIL during that time.
The Irish Defence Forces first committed troops to the mission in May 1978.
The May 12, 1978, edition of the Westmeath Independent reported: “Some 150 members of the Defence Forces attached to the Western Command will fly out to the Lebannon on May 23 as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force. Members of the company will be processed from all ranks and will have Comdt. Ivor O'Hanlon as O.C. It is expected that the members wills be selected by the week-end.”
On May 26, 1978, the Westmeath Independent reported: “An advance party of 140 troops - drawn from Western Command - left Custurme Barracks, Athlone, this week, for their peace-keeping mission in the Lebanon. The Commanding Officer is Comdt Ivor O'Hanlon. Before leaving they were addressed by Colonel M. Murphy, Command OC.”
This evening, Tánaiste Simon Harris paid tribute to those who have served with UNIFIL.
“For the many thousands of Defence Forces’ personnel who served with UNIFIL, I want, on behalf of the Government, to express my appreciation and admiration for the commitment and professionalism during their service. That service binds together generations of service personnel for whom service with UNIFIL will be an enduring badge of honour.”
The Tánaiste added: “I have long argued that the presence of UNIFIL in southern Lebanon is vital to maintaining peace and security, and providing support to the Lebanese government and the region more broadly. The situation on the ground is stable but fragile, as I saw for myself when I visited Lebanon earlier in the year.
“We have been engaging with European partners over the last number of months as behind-the-scenes discussions on the renewal progressed.
“I particularly want to acknowledge the efforts of France who, as penholders, led the negotiations on the UNIFIL resolution at the UN Security Council, during what was an often challenging process. Like Ireland, France also advocated strongly for mandate renewal.
“Together with military management, I and my officials have been anticipating a number of scenarios that might have emerged from today’s meeting of the UNSC.
“On foot of the decision now taken, we will continue operations in the region in fulfilment of the Mission mandate until the end of the 2026, following which we will work with partners to ensure an orderly wind down of the Mission.
“All the time, the safety and security of our personnel serving in UNIFIL will be of paramount importance to myself and to Government.”