The UN has said it is encouraged by the response of Lebanese authorities following the death of an Irish peacekeeper amid reports that arrests have been made.
Irish Defense Forces soldier Sean Rooney, from Newtowncunningham, Co Donegal, was killed when his convoy was attacked while traveling to Beirut on December 14.
In a statement on Monday, the UN declined to comment on reports that at least one arrest has been made in Lebanon.
A spokesman said there is “an ongoing investigation into this tragic incident, so we cannot anticipate the outcome and must protect the outcome of the investigation”.
They added: “This incident was deeply shocking, a crime against Unifil peacekeepers who have traveled from far and wide to work to preserve stability in a volatile environment and to work in support of the local population.
“We have asked to find out what happened and that the perpetrators be brought to justice.
“And we ask that people refrain from sharing harmful information, because misinformation is the fuel that can fuel the fire of violence.
“We need swift and effective investigations to find those responsible and hold them accountable for their crimes.
“We are encouraged by the support of Lebanese authorities and leaders across the political spectrum, and we are hopeful that we can get to the truth.”
The Irish Defense Forces said: “There are currently three ongoing investigations into this incident.
“As these investigations are ongoing, the Defense Forces have no further comment to make at this time.”
The 24-year-old’s body was returned to his family after being repatriated from Lebanon last Monday, and his funeral took place in Dundalk on Thursday.
Holy Family Church mourners including Irish President Michael D Higgins, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, Tanaiste Micheal Martin and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris as well as some of Pte Rooney’s colleagues from Lebanon , they hear him described as a “national hero”.
In his homily, Fr Derek Ryan said Pte Rooney’s death “truly pierced the hearts of his family” and the wider community.
“It breaks the human heart when a loved one dies serving his country for the important work of peace-building,” the parish priest told mourners. “It breaks all of our hearts.”
Fr Ryan read a statement from Holly, Pte Rooney’s girlfriend, who said that as her relationship with Sean progressed “it became clear, Sean is not just my other half, he is my better half”.
“I can say for certain that he would have been a fantastic husband and an even better father,” she said.
Pte Rooney was laid to rest at All Saints Catholic Church in Colehill, Co Donegal, with full military honors which included the firing of a 21-shot volley and the playing of the Last Post.
He was awarded a number of posthumous honors, including a UN Peacekeeping Medal and a Lebanese Armed Forces Appreciation Medal.
Another soldier who was injured in the same incident was flown to Ireland on Wednesday for further medical treatment.
Private Shane Kearney, 22, from Killeagh, Co Cork, suffered a serious head injury. Two other peacekeepers were treated for minor injuries.
The soldiers were part of the 121st Infantry Battalion, made up of 333 Irish troops, which deployed in November to southern Lebanon as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
