A remote Irish garrison located on the boundary between Israel and Lebanon has now received replenishment of food and water, after nearly a month of isolation due to ongoing conflict. The base, known as Outpost 6-52, is home to approximately 30 Irish soldiers. The supplies were successfully delivered after an operation by Irish peacekeeping forces to clear the pathway of barriers, unexploded bombs and mines.
The challenging operation, dubbed Fág an Bealach (Clear the Way), required transportation of provisions from the primary Irish Unifil camp, Camp Shamrock, to the outpost, a location of intense fighting between Israeli and Hizbullah militants.
Outpost 6-50, another base under Irish leadership, also had supplies restocked. Unifil Force Commander Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz visited these outposts amidst the resupplying endeavour.
As per the Defence Forces declaration, the operation was executed in multiple phases with extremely detailed planning, prioritising soldier safety. A wide variety of proficiencies and competencies within the 124th Infantry Battalion were employed to ensure the safety and the fulfilment of the mission. Documentation by the Defence Forces pictures Irish soldiers and armoured vehicles cautiously navigating through areas significantly damaged in the conflict.
A spokesperson emphasized that the resupply would allow undisturbed occupation and operations. Israel has previously asked for the removal of Irish and UN soldiers from these outposts, a request which the UN has declined.
The Irish peacekeepers, according to the Defence Forces, will persist in performing their duties, maintaining an unbiased and autonomous stance. Earlier this month, Israeli military and tanks used the surroundings of Outpost 6-52 as a base for attacks, leading to diplomatic grievances from the Irish Government. In one occurrence, an Israeli tank faced its cannon directly towards the Irish encampment. Somewhat alarming, Israel has targeted other Unifil outposts since the launch of their invasions on Lebanon the previous month, resulting in injuries to multiple peacekeeping personnel.