An Cosantóir

| 41 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE • Support the Government of Lebanon (GOL) to ensure the AOR is not used for hostile activities of any kind. • Protect civilians under immediate threat of physical violence. The Battalion used this mission as the foundation of its operational tasks, conducting independent and joint patrols throughout the AOR by day and by night, providing training to LAF personnel in the areas of Crowd Riot Control (CRC) and UXO/Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) and through the delivery of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) projects aimed at assisting and improving the wellbeing of the local civilian population in an escalating security environment. Concurrently, the battalion maintained a rigorous training schedule consistently evaluating and enhancing capabilities to ensure that operational readiness remained high and the Unit was well positioned to face of an unpredictable and volatile security environment. RECENT AND SIGNIFICANT EVENTS On the 23rd of September 2024 there was a significant and dramatic deterioration in the security situation when the IDF launched "OPERATION NORTHERN ARROWS", an air and ground campaign against HZB across Lebanon. The initial air campaign was followed by ground incursions on 01 Oct, with IRISPOLBATT being the primary axis of advance for IDF armoured and mechanised infantry in the UNIFIL AO. This situation presented a broad range of new, complex and extremely challenging situations for the Battalion, as what was to that point 'normal' life in IRISHPOLBATT changed overnight. Despite these challenges, the Battalion remained committed to its core mission of monitoring the AOR and reporting on violations of UNSCR 1701. Key to achieving the mission were the Blue Line Posts at UNP 6-50 and UNP 6-52. These UNPs played a critical role in providing detailed reports of what was happening on the frontlines, essentially being the "Eyes and the Ears for the International Community". As the IDF operations intensified the protection and resupply of these vital outposts became an immediate priority. Having been cut off for in excess of three weeks, IRISHPOLBATT on 19 October 2024 successfully executed Operation FÁG AN BEALACH (Clear the Way), a deliberate Search and Clearance operation, and reopened and re-established lines of supply from UNP 2-45 to UNP 6-50 and UNP 6-52. The operation involved IRCON organic engineering assets supported by manoeuvre companies providing security and over-watch. Engineers were tasked with sweeping the road on foot with metal detecting equipment and rebuilding sections of damaged road with armoured heavy machinery in order to clear routes of any potential threats to the safety of personnel, primarily Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) that littered the AOR as a result of the conflict. Furthermore, the operation allowed the personnel on 6-52 to rotate back to UNP 2-45 and supplies brought out to ensure and enhance sustainability of the position. This operation showcased the professionalism of the various components of the Battalion and both validated and verified the benefits of long hours of rigorous training. CONCLUSION Despite the stresses and difficulties presented by the escalation of hostilities throughout South Lebanon, the personnel of the 124 Inf Bn more than rose to meet the challenges. In what was a highly kinetic and dangerous operational environment personnel of the 124 Inf Bn proved to be consummate professionals displaying excellent levels of motivation, resilience and calmness under pressure. The Battalion lived the values espoused by the Defence Forces, showing loyalty to one another in the face of difficulty, displaying the moral and physical courage needed to continue its mission in the face of potentially dangerous circumstances and the integrity to ensure the evolving situation was continuously monitored and reported. Through a combination of teamwork, professionalism, and dedication, the battalion succeeded in overcoming the many challenges of this complex mission, maintaining its operational readiness, and fulfilling its mandate to the highest standard. The second chalk of 124 Inf Bn returned to Ireland having completed its deployment on 25 Nov 2024. Photos of their homecoming can be found on DF Flickr at https://www.flickr.com/photos/dfmagazine/albums Engineers of 124 INF BN conducting operation Fág an Bealach 124 INF BN engineers conducting road clearnce during operation Fág an Bealach

• Cover