PICTURES: Friends and family welcome Irish troops home from Lebanon at Dublin Airport

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There were tearful scenes at Dublin Airport this Thursday, as members of the Defence Forces were welcomed home from their rotation in Lebanon by friends and family.

The group, Chalk 1 of the 124th Infantry Battalion, "has completed its tour of duty and returned home safely", a statement from the Defence Forces read.

"We are delighted to welcome back 96 of our personnel, who have now been reunited with their families and loved ones. We commend them on their dedication to the cause of peace in such a volatile region".

The 124th Battalion have been serving as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), during one of the most precarious times in the region's history, which has seen heavy fighting between Israeli and Hezbollah forces.

Just last month, UNFIL base Camp Shamrock was struck by a Russian-made Katusha rocket fired at Israel by Hezbollah, while Israeli forces also breached Irish peacekeeping outposts during the renewed conflict on the Lebanon-Israeli border.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to both the returning and deploying personnel for their service. Our thoughts are with those who are currently deployed, and we look forward to welcoming them home safely when the time comes. Thank you to all the families and friends who continue to support our personnel during their time abroad".

Meanwhile, Chalk 1 of the 125th Infantry Battalion has deployed and following a successful convoy operation they have taken up their positions at UNP 2-45 in Lebanon.

The group of 187 personnel arrived safely and are "prepared to undertake their mission with resilience and professionalism, even as they face an increasingly challenging security environment".

Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, stated:"I welcome home our returning personnel and commend those who have just deployed".

"We're delighted that both groups have safely completed their journeys despite the complex environment. However, our mission isn't over.

"Our personnel will continue to display the highest levels of dedication and commitment during the handover process, and as we prepare for the rotation of Chalk 2. Their vigilance and professionalism are of vital importance to the region," he concluded.

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