Current Missions

European Union Training Mission (Mali)

EUTM (Mali) - February 2013 to date

On 18 February 2013, the European Council agreed to set up a military mission to contribute to training of the Mali security forces.

The mission objectives in Mali are to help the Malian authorities to:

• Restore constitutional and democratic order in Mali through the faithful implementation of the Road Map for the Transition adopted on 29 January by the National Assembly; this Road Map includes free and transparent elections in 2013 and a national inclusive dialogue
• Restore State authority, law and order throughout the country
• Neutralize organised crime and terrorist threats.

The military training mission, EUTM Mali, will specifically train and advise the Malian Armed Forces - MAF - under the control of legitimate civilian authorities.

This is done through the provision of:

• Training for the benefit of the Malian Armed Forces unit capabilities;
• Training and advice in command and control, logistical chain and human resources
• As well as on international humanitarian law, the protection of civilians and human rights.

The mission will not be involved in combat operations. The Defence Forces have deployed 14 personnel to EUTM Mali. One Staff Officer is posted to the Mission HQ in Bamako, the remainder are part of the Mission Training Team who are deployed to the Koulikoro Training Camp approximately 100km East of the capital Bamako.

The EUTM Mali is mission is currently undergoing a restructuring and reduction in troop numbers. As the mission transitions to a reduced size, Irelands contribution will also reduce to 8 personnel from March 2023.  Our personnel will take up appointments in Mission Headquarters in Bamako.

Operation Details
Ribbon for the Medal
Duration	February 2013 to date
Operation type	European Union led Training Mission
Commitment	14 Personnel

EUNAVOR MED IRINI

EUNAVOR MED IRINI - May 2020 to Present

The operation, named EUNAVOR MED IRINI was launched on 31 March 2020. Its core task is the implementation of the UN arms embargo on Libya through the use of aerial, satellite and maritime assets. In particular the mission is mandated to carry out inspections of vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya suspected to be carrying arms or related material to and from Libya in accordance with UNSC resolution 2292 (2016). In addition EUNAVOR MED IRINI also:

• Monitors and gathers information on illicit exports from Libya of petroleum and crude oil.
• Contributes to the disruption of human smuggling and trafficking networks.

At present the Irish Defence Forces provides two officers and one non-commissioned officer to EUNAVOR MED HQ who are stationed in Rome.

Operation Details
Ribbon for the Medal
Duration	May 2020 to date
Operation type	EU led Executive Operation
Commitment	3 Personnel

United Nations Mine Action Service 

UNMAS - January 2022 to Present

Established in 1997, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) leads, co-ordinates and implements projects and programmes to mitigate the threats posed by explosive ordnance to the benefit of millions of people worldwide.

Among its chief responsibilities and capabilities, UNMAS supports the development of standards, policies and norms as well as managing operations to clear landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) and mitigate the threats posed by improvised explosive devices.

At present, the Irish Defence Forces provide one officer to UNMAS who operates as part of a Mobile Training Team, focussing on Improvised Explosive Device (IED) threat mitigation and advice.

Stabilisation Force - European Union Force

SFOR - May 1997 — Dec 2004
EUFOR Operation Althea - Bosnia & Herzegovina Dec 2004 - to Date

The European Union Force (EUFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina is an EU-led military operation which was launched on 2^nd of December 2004 under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1575. As a result, EUFOR assumed responsibility for maintaining a safe and secure environment throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina from the NATO-led Stabilisation Force (SFOR) which operated from May 1997 until December 2004, where Irish Defence Forces personnel were first deployed within BiH with the deployment of a Military Police Company, National Support Element, and various staff appointments within SFOR Headquarters.

Following the transition from SFOR in December 2004, Ireland has maintained its commitment to European security through participation in the European Union Force (EUFOR) Operation Althea. As a successor mission under EU leadership, EUFOR represents the continuation of international efforts to maintain a safe and secure environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Irish Defence Forces personnel have contributed in staff and specialist roles, bringing valuable operational experience and reinforcing Ireland’s reputation as a trusted and capable partner in multinational peacekeeping operations.

On the basis of its executive mandate, EUFOR is responsible for the implementation of the military annexes of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina (GFAP) which is also known as the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA) which was signed in 1995. Under its mandate, EUFOR’s primary aim remains to;

• Support the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to maintain a Safe and Secure Environment (SASE) throughout the country.
• Conduct combined and collective training and exercises with the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Support the overall EU comprehensive strategy for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As of August 2026, the Irish Defence Forces will have six personnel deployed within the Headquarters of EUFOR Operation Althea. Serving in a range of key staff and specialist appointments, they continue a proud tradition of Irish service in Bosnia and Herzegovina spanning almost three decades, demonstrating Ireland’s enduring commitment to international peace support operations and European security cooperation.

Operation Details
Ribbon for the Medal
Duration	May 1997 — to date
Operation type	EU led Crisis Management Operation
Commitment	5

Kosovo Force

KFOR - August 1999 to date

During the fragmentation of the former Yugoslavia most of the attention internationally was focused on the conflict between Croatia and Serbia, and between Serbs, Croats and Muslims in Bosnia Herzegovina.

However, throughout this period another conflict was taking place in the then little known Serbian province of Kosovo. Kosovo shares a border with Albania and has a large majority population of ethnic Albanians. After the Balkans War in 1913 Kosovo became a part of Serbia and after the First World War became a part of Yugoslavia, despite its large Albanian majority. However, the importance of Kosovo to the Serbs should not be underestimated. This importance stems from the final defeat of the Serbs by the Ottoman Empire at Kosovo Polje in 1389. Since that time the region has had huge significance in the psyche of Serb nationalists. In the Balkans, where grudges can last for generations, time has its own measure and many Serbs talk about the battle at Kosovo Polje as if it took place a few years ago.

In 1974 Kosovo became an autonomous province within Tito’s Yugoslavia and this lasted until after his death. In 1990 Kosovo’s autonomy was revoked and its provincial assembly dissolved by the Serb government. As resistance to Serb rule increased, the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) emerged and began attacking Serbian security forces, who responded heavy-handedly against the population as a whole.

By 1997, with the situation in the remainder of the Balkans stabilising, the international community began to focus on Kosovo. In 1998 a Contact Group, comprising France, Germany, Italy, the UK, Russia and the US began diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. Meanwhile NATO planners drew up military plans to support the diplomatic process. In September UNSC Resolution 1199 highlighted an impending human catastrophe in Kosovo and demanded a ceasefire. By March 1999 the violence was continuing and after a UNHCR report stated that 250,000 people were displaced in Kosovo due to the conflict NATO began an aerial bombardment of Serbian targets in Kosovo and Serbia. In June 1999 Serbia agreed to the G8 Peace Principles and began to withdraw its forces. NATO ended its air strikes and KFOR, which was authorised by UNSC Resolution 1244, entered Kosovo.

KFOR’s mission is to establish and maintain a secure environment; monitor, verify and enforce compliance with the various agreements; and to provide support to the UNMIK mission. The NATO-led KFOR mission began with 50,000 troops from 36 NATO and non-NATO nations, including Ireland.

On 29 February 2008 Ireland recognised the Republic of Kosovo following the 17 February Kosovo Assembly Resolution which declared Kosovo independent.

In 1999, the Defence Forces initial contribution to KFOR consisted of a transport/logistics company, with a fleet of articulated vehicles, DROPS vehicles, 4x4s and ancillary vehicles. The Irish unit, based in Camp Clarke, Lipljan, 15km south of Pristina, was situated in Multinational Brigade (MNB) Centre. The unit was under control of HQ KFOR and their mission was to provide, on order, equipment and material lift to military units in KFOR and to humanitarian organisations working with the UN.

In October 2004 Irish Defence Forces’ involvement with KFOR changed when 8 Irish Transport Company was replaced by a Mechanized Infantry company, designated the 27 Infantry Group, and increased our overall commitment from 110 personnel up to over 230. The company operated as part of a Multinational Task Force (Centre) alongside soldiers from Finland, Sweden, and the Czech Republic. This Task Force was commanded by an Irish General for 12 months in 2006 – 2007.

The Irish Defence Forces contributed a Mechanized Infantry Company to KFOR until reducing its commitment in 2010. The Irish Company’s area of responsibility (AOR) covered 190 sq km and it carried out its mission through vigorous and regular patrols in their MOWAG APCs. The eastern section of their AOR was mountainous and dotted with Albanian villages while the western section consisted of smaller hills and contained a Serbian enclave. There were two villages in the AOR with mixed populations, Janjevo and Robovce.

In addition to the Infantry Company, a Contingent HQ element and logistics support group remained in Camp Clarke and a number of officers and NCOs took up appointments in Camp Ville. The Infantry company were split between Camp Clarke and Camp Karhu (a former Finnish position in the Serbian village of Donja Gusterica). The remaining Irish personnel serving in-theatre were split between KFOR HQ, Task Force (Centre) HQ and the multinational Military Police Company. The National Support Element was established in Skopje, in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

Following the withdrawal of the Infantry Company in 2010, Camp Clarke closed and all remaining appointments in Camp Ville were discontinued on a phased basis. The Irish Defence Forces still hold 12 appointments in KFOR HQ (Film City).

Operation Details
Ribbon for the Medal
Duration	August 1999 to date
Operation type	NATO - PfP led Peace Support Operation
Commitment	12

United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation

UNTSO - 18 December 1958 to date

UNTSO, established in 1948, is the oldest ongoing United Nations peacekeeping operation. It operates in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Israel - the parties to the Truce Agreements that followed the fighting in Palestine in 1948.

The mission's mandate, “to observe and maintain any truce or ceasefire demanded by the Security Council and to assist the parties in supervising any agreements concluded by them,” is open-ended and does not require periodic renewal.

UNTSO is also tasked with assisting in the setting up of new UN peacekeeping missions and has been involved in the establishment of many of these, including ONUC, UNIFIL and UNPROFOR. UNTSO HQ is based in Jerusalem and has observers in Lebanon (OGL), Tiberias (OGG-T), and Damascus (OGG-D) as well as liaison officers in Cairo, Beirut, Amman and Gaza. UNTSO also supports the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) on the Golan Heights by manning observation posts in the area.

Operation Details
Ribbon for the Medal
Duration	18 December 1958 to date
Operation type	UN led Peacekeeping Operations (Observer)
Commitment	12

United Nations Interim Force Lebanon

UNIFIL - May 1978 to Date

Following the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1978, UNIFIL was established to supervise the withdrawal of Israeli Forces and restore peace and security to the area. Since then the Defence Forces had an Infantry Battalion (approx. Strength 540 personnel) in Lebanon, which rotated every six months plus almost 100 others in UNIFIL headquarters and the Force Mobile Reserve until November 2001.

The battalion’s headquarters was located in Tibnin and it was responsible for an area of approx 100 square kilometres. It performed its duties mainly by providing a presence in the area, by operating patrols, checkpoints and manning observation posts. The battalion also rendered humanitarian assistance to the local population including aiding the local orphanage in Tibnin.

The presence of the Irish battalion in South Lebanon undoubtedly helped to restore normality to the area, as evidenced by the increase in population and economic activity in the region. This is a part of Ireland’s commitment to global peace and security.

After the withdrawal of Israeli troops from South Lebanon and the completion of its mandate with UNIFIL, the Irish Defence Forces withdrew from the Area of Operations leaving behind 11 Defence Forces personnel in Lebanon to oversee the handover of the mission to a Battalion from Ghana.

A total of 47 Irish Defence Forces personnel lost their lives in the service of peace during the first 23 years of this mission, in which over 32,000 individual tours of duty have been completed.

Following a return to intense conflict on the Israel/Lebanon border in June/July 2006, in response to a request from the UN in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701 of August 2006, the Defence Forces returned to Lebanon on 31 October 2006 for 12 months. The unit consisted of a Mobile Mechanised Infantry Company Group and operated in reconnaissance, patrolling and security roles alongside a Finnish Engineering Company as part of a joint Irish-Finnish Battalion.

The Infantry Company Group withdrew in 2007, however the Irish Defence Forces remained committed to UNIFIL, with nine personnel serving in the UNIFIL HQ in Naquora. In June 2011 until Nov 2013, the Irish Defence Forces deployed a Mechanised Infantry Battalion of approx 440 personnel to UNIFIL, as in the past this unit was involved in peacekeeping operations. The Infantry Battalion, deployed in UNIFIL‘s Sector West continued to be involved in this area Peace Keeping Mission. Their duties included manning two Posts along the Blue Line between Lebanon and Israel. The units also carried out patrolling, ground holding and humanitarian operations. As a mechanised Infantry Battalion the unit was equipped with MOWAG Piranha III APCs, Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles (GR32), heavy machine guns, anti-tank guns and Javelin missiles, heavy and medium mortars, reconnaissance surveillance equipment.

As of November 2019, the unit is now commands and operates as part on an Infantry Battalion known as IRISHPOLBATT alongside a mechanised Infantry Company from Poland. The UNIFIL mission to Monitor, Support and Assist involves extensive mobile patrolling throughout the Irish Area of Operations including ground holding, monitoring the Blue Line and humanitarian operations. Operations are conducted on a ‘High visibility, Low profile’ basis.

The Irish Defence Forces currently have 340 personnel serving in the mission area. Together with a contingent from Poland, a Platoon from Hungary and a Section of soldiers from the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM), they form IRISHPOLBATT based at UNP 2-45 in UNIFIL Sector West. In addition there are personnel serving in UNIFIL HQ near Naquora and personnel serving in Sector West HQ, Shama.

Lebanon Stories - Video

Operation Details
Ribbon for the Medal
Duration:	May 1978 - today
Operation type:	UN led Peacekeeping Operations (Troops)
Commitment:	340

United Nations Disengagement Observer Force

UNDOF- June 1997 — August 1998
UNDOF - September 2013 - to date
UNDOF was established by UNSCR350 in 1974 following the agreed disengagement of Israeli and Syrian forces on the Golan Heights after the ending of the Yom Kippur War. The Force deployed in and around an area of separation, which is 80km long and varying from 10km to 1km in width. UNDOF is the only military presence allowed in the area of separation, and it has 44 manned positions and 11 observation posts.

The Defence Forces’ first contribution to this mission consisted of providing one force commander, Brigadier General Dave Stapleton (RIP) (subsequently Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces). In September 2013 the Defence Forces have been asked to participate and supply a larger group of troops to the Mission.

They will be primarily tasked as the Force Mobile Reserve to undertake reinforcement, reaction, escort and other operations throughout UNDOF’s Area of Responsibility.

Operation Details
Ribbon for the Medal
Duration:	June 1997 — August 1998 & September 2013 - to date
Operation type:	UN led Peacekeeping Operations (Troops)
Commitment:	130

United Nations Headquarters New York

UNNY 27 - November 1978 — to date

Since 1978, a number of Defence Forces officers have served in different positions at United Nations Headquarters New York (UNNY). At present the Defence Forces provide two officers to the UN's Department of Peace Keeping Operations (DPKO).