LIMERICK Soldiers deployed in Syria as part of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force supporting their County for the All-Ireland Hurling final.
In April of this year, the 63rd Infantry Group including (L-R): S/S Evan Lewis (Castletroy), Pte Mark Prior (Limerick city), Sgt Steven Warren (Pallasgreen), Cpl Shane McGrath (Moyross), Pte Jamie Henebry (Galbally), Sgt Brain Kelly (Limerick City) were deployed to the Golan Heights, in Southwestern Syria to take up the role of the Force Reserve Company in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force mission (UNDOF).
The Irish Infantry main task is to operate the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) throughout the UNDOF mission area, meaning they are flexible to handle various different situations and are quick to deploy when commanded. The Group has a wide range of capabilities, including armoured force protection, patrolling and mobility, communications, engineer search and clearance, Explosive Ordinance Disposal, medical and operational expertise.
Since their deployment they have completed multiple operations by day and night including armed patrols throughout the mission area, armed escorts of United Nations personnel and search and clearance operations of United Nations positions destroyed during the ongoing civil war. The soldiers are deployed in Syria for six months and will return to Ireland in October.
