Maltese soldiers in southern Lebanon 'safe' amid escalating conflict
Troops continue peacekeeping mission with Irish defence forces
Maltese soldiers deployed in Southern Lebanon with the Irish Defence Forces are “safe and well”, and are continuing their operations, the Armed Forces of Malta said on Friday evening.
Lebanon became embroiled in the Middle East conflict on March 2 when Hezbollah fired rockets toward neighbouring Israel in response to the killing of its ally Iran’s supreme leader in Israeli-US attacks.
Israel responded with heavy airstrikes across Lebanon and ground incursions in the border area, which combined have left more than 1,000 people dead.
The AFM contingent deployed with the Irish Defence Forces in Southern Lebanon comprises one officer and four other ranks. Their mission is expected to last until May 2026.
The AFM confirmed they “remain deployed” under Irish operational control as part of a peacekeeping mission led by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
“They continue to operate from established UN positions within the Irish Area of Operations,” the AFM said.
They added these locations are equipped with reinforced shelters, hardened protection measures, strict movement controls, and elevated alert postures in accordance with UNIFIL directives.
“Following recent incidents, the Irish contingent has further reinforced its internal security procedures,” the AFM said.
“The Armed Forces of Malta remain in continouous contact with our deployed members and are closely monitoring developments on the ground. The safety of our personnel is our highest priority, and we stand ready to adapt protective measures as required.”
Times of Malta is informed that Opposition home affairs spokesperson Darren Carabott wrote to Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri asking about the Maltese soldiers and their safety on March 18.
It is understood that Camilleri has yet to reply to the email.
In a social media post , the AFM condemned “any attack” on peacekeepers from UNIFIL.
Echoing the stand by the Irish defence forces, the AFM added “all parties” should be reminded of their “obligation to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel”.