Last Irish troops to return home from decade-long mission in Golan Heights

The last Irish troops stationed in the Golan Heights in Syria are due to return home this Friday morning as the Defence Forces end a decade-long peacekeeping mission in the region.

This comes as Ireland withdraws its troops from the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), who monitor the border between Syria and Israel.

A total of 133 Irish troops from the 68th Infantry Group will fly home to Dublin this Friday, April 5, following a six-month deployment.

The majority of Irish troops taking part in the Golan Heights mission came from the 6th Infantry Battalion from Custume Barracks in Athlone.

Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Clear, 34 personnel members involved in the mission were on their first tour of duty overseas.

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin announced his decision to withdraw the Defence Forces' contribution to UNDOF in March 2023, following an assessment of the sustainability of the Defence Forces’ overseas commitments.

The troops return on a chartered flight direct to Dublin Airport from Camp Faouar in Syria this Friday afternoon, where they will will be met by their families and friends.