The United Nations has said it is “heartened” by the support of Lebanese officials after a reported arrest over the death of an Irish soldier on a peacekeeping mission in the country.
Private Sean Rooney, 23, from Co Donegal, was killed when two armoured vehicles carrying members of the 121st Infantry Battalion came under fire near Sidon, around 30 miles south of Beirut, on 14 December.
The UN refused to comment on reports that an arrest had been made, saying there is an “ongoing investigation into this tragic incident, therefore we can’t pre-empt its results, and we need to protect the outcome of the investigation”.
It described the incident as a “deeply shocking” crime against “peacekeepers who have travelled from far to work in preserving stability in a volatile environment and to work in support of the local population”.
“We have asked to find out what happened, and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice,” the UN said.
“And we ask that people refrain from sharing harmful information, because disinformation is the fuel on which the fire of violence can spark.
“We need swift and effective investigations to find those responsible and hold them accountable for their crimes.
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“We are heartened by the support of the Lebanese authorities and leaders from across the political spectrum, and we are hopeful that we can get to the truth.”
The Irish Defence Forces said it would not comment as three investigations into the incident were ongoing.
Private Rooney’s body was repatriated last week, and his funeral was held on Thursday.
Michael D Higgins, the Irish president, Leo Varadkar, the Irish prime minister, and Garda commissioner Drew Harris were among the mourners.
In his homily, Father Derek Ryan said Private Rooney’s death “really did pierce the heart of his family” and the wider community.
“It breaks the human heart when a loved one dies serving their country for the important work of peacebuilding,” he told mourners.
“It breaks all our hearts.”
Father Ryan also read a statement from the soldier’s fiancee Holly, who said as their relationship advanced “it became clear, Sean is not only my other half, he’s my better half”.
“I can say for certain that he would have been a fantastic husband and an even better father,” she said.
