A difficult time for Irish troops serving with the United Nations in southern Lebanon and their families.
The last week has proved to be one of the most difficult periods for the 663 Irish soldiers based in Lebanon on duty with the United Nations. Many of the troops were due to end their six month deployment but this has now been extended following Israeli attacks in the region. Shelling in southern Lebanon killed two women and four children.
The operations room at the Irish Defence Forces headquarters in Dublin is in daily contact with soldiers in Lebanon. Minister for Defence Sean Barrett keeps up to date with the situation on a regular basis.The minister wants to assure families in Ireland that everything is being done to keep the soldiers safe. From his conversations with Lieut Col Michael Lucey Commanding Officer in Lebanon, all of the soldiers are safe and in good spirits. No steps would be taken to risk the lives of troops in the region.
Karen Frawley and her husband, David, were married eleven months ago. For the past six months, David has been on peacekeeping duty in Lebanon. With the intensification of conflict in the region, it seems that tour of duty may be extended further. Karen Frawley is hopeful that David will be home safe sooner rather than later.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 15 April 1996. The reporter is Eileen Whelan.
