Two Irish UNIFIL soldiers who were injured yesterday when a mortar hit their base in Haddathah in Lebanon were reported to be stable and not in danger. Cpl Noel Roche (40), from Kilkee, Co Clare, received injuries to the right leg and right hand. Pte John Flaherty (46), from Doolin, Co Clare, received lacerations to the back of the head, shoulders and left leg.
They are members of the 84th Infantry Battalion, which started its tour of duty last autumn.
They were on duty at Haddathah when, at 5 a.m., there was an exchange of fire between elements on the Lebanese side and an Israeli compound. The UNIFIL base took a direct hit and the soldiers were injured.
They were evacuated to the battalion headquarters in Tibnin, where they were treated by Irish military doctors and then flown to a UNIFIL field hospital.
The Chief of Staff, Lt Gen David Stapleton, said he was concerned that the mortar fire was so close to the position. An investigation would be carried out, he said.