Irish Soldier Killed in Deadly Hezbollah Attack in Lebanon
Private Rooney, just 23 and from Ireland, was shot dead on December 14 when his UN peacekeeping vehicle was ambushed near Al-Aqbiya village in southern Lebanon. The area is a known Hezbollah stronghold.
Three More Injured in Strike on UN Forces
Trooper Shane Kearney, also 23 and Irish, suffered serious head trauma in the attack. He has since been repatriated for treatment.
Seven bullets tore through the UNIFIL vehicle, one striking the driver, judicial sources revealed.
One Suspect Held, Six Fugitives Still at Large
Only one of the seven charged suspects is in custody; Hezbollah handed him over to the Lebanese army last month. He faces charges of killing Private Rooney and attempting to murder his comrades with a machine gun.
Meanwhile, six others remain fugitives, accused of illegal weapons offences, destroying the UN vehicle, and terrorising its passengers.
UN Condemns Attack, Demands Rapid Probe
UNIFIL — a 10,000-strong peacekeeping force deployed since 1978 to hold the peace between Lebanon and Israel — called on Beirut to push for a swift investigation. This marks the first violent attack on its peacekeepers in nearly eight years.
A security insider confirmed Hezbollah is cooperating with Lebanon’s military intelligence-led inquiry.
