Irish soldiers returning home from Lebanon today will have to isolate themselves for two weeks.
Over 100 troops from the 115th Infantry Battalion, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) touched down in Dublin Airport early this morning following an eight month deployment which was extended due to Covid-19 travel restrictions.
The soldiers were due to return home in May but were delayed by over six weeks after rotations were suspended by the UN Secretary General.
The troops faced an unusually quiet arrival compared to the joyous scenes of reunion with partners and children normally held.
And the peacekeepers wore black masks across their faces as they entered the arrivals hall.
The 115 troops were taken to McKee Barracks in Cabra for medical screening before travelling home where they must self-isolate for 14 days in accordance with HSE guidelines.
A total of 338 Defence Forces staff were deployed with the 115th Infantry Battalion, the remainder of whom will return home in early July, a spokesperson revealed.
The majority of the Battalion come from the south and south east of the country but 24 counties are represented altogether.
The 116th Battalion will take their place in Lebanon and will spend 14 days quarantining in Coolmoney Camp in Wicklow and Gormanston Camp in Meath before flying out.
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