Stricken Irish peacekeeper vehicle had no back-up from Lebanese armed forces

A member of the Defence Forces looks at flowers and tribute messages left in honour of Private Seán Rooney outside Aiken Barracks, Dundalk. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

There is no requirement for Irish peacekeepers to be accompanied by Lebanese armed forces when outside their area of operation in Southern Lebanon in small convoys.

Therefore, the two white Unifil-marked armoured utility vehicles (AUVs) which got separated on their way back to Beirut had no such back-up when one was attacked late on Wednesday evening.