Irish troops escape Syria crossfire

Irish troops serving in the Golan Heights had a lucky escape yesterday after twice getting caught in cross-fire between Syrian government forces and anti-Assad rebels.

The Irish Second Brigade involved in the UN’s Disengagement Observer Force came under fire yesterday morning during a routine escort mission, with three artillery rounds landing within 200m of the convoy in the first instance and as many as 10 artillery rounds landing nearby in the second attack.

The 39 Irish soldiers were travelling with 24 international companions as part of the convoy and left their base at Camp Faouar at around 9am local time (11am Irish time).