Man sentenced to death over 2022 killing of Private Seán Rooney in Lebanon

Sunday World

29-07-2025

Mohammad Ayyad, was sentenced to death for his part in the killing, the Sunday World understands
Undated handout photo issued by Defence Forces of Private Sean Rooney of Newtowncunningham in Co Donegal, the Irish peacekeeping soldier killed in Lebanon.
A man has been sentenced to death in Lebanon after he was convicted of the killing of Private Seán Rooney, an Irish peacekeeper shot dead in December 2022 in Lebanon.
The main defendant in the case, Mohammad Ayyad, was sentenced to death for his part in the killing, the Sunday World understands, but he is currently still at large.
Ayyad had previously admitted to firing a gun during the incident. A number of other defendants received lesser sentences which were not immediately published.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin welcomed the conviction of the main defendant but said it is "unsatisfactory that he is still at large. Many will feel the sentences passed down on the other defendants are far too lenient'.
'The justice system in Lebanon, and the delay in progressing in this case was deeply regrettable. Peacekeeping is the most noble cause of all, and the role of the peacekeeper must at all times be honoured and respected.
Private Seán Rooney was killed while on duty with the UN. Photo: Rooney family
'This is very difficult day for the family of Sean Rooney, in particular his mother Natasha. Sean was a soldier of great courage, who put the safety of others before his own safety in the line of duty. He was brave and diligent. My thoughts and prayers are with Natasha, his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time,' Mr Martin said.
Private Rooney, from Co Donegal, died after the armoured vehicle he was driving came under fire near the village of Al-Aqbiya in December 2022. He was 24 years old.
Trooper Shane Kearney from Co Cork also suffered serious injuries in the same incident.
The troops were driving near the town of Al-Aqbiya, known to be a stronghold of Hezbollah.
Mr Rooney was dropping colleagues to the airport to return home to their families for Christmas when their convoy came under attack.
Undated handout photo issued by Defence Forces of Private Sean Rooney of Newtowncunningham in Co Donegal, the Irish peacekeeping soldier killed in Lebanon.
"This evening I have been informed of the completion of the hearings held by the Military Tribunal in Beirut for those indicted for the murder of Private Sean Rooney, who was killed during an incident on 14 December 2022 at Al-Aqbiya, Lebanon, in which a number of his colleagues in the 121st Infantry Battalion also sustained serious injuries,' Defence Minister Simon Harris said.
'I welcome the conviction of the main defendant and a number of the other defendants, who had not previously been in court. While noting the sentence handed down to the main defendant, I am disappointed and share the disappointment of Private Rooney's family at the lighter sentences imposed on a number of those convicted today,' Mr Harris said, without specifying the sentences imposed on any of the defendants.
"Seán Rooney made the ultimate sacrifice in the noble pursuit of peace. This is a difficult time for his family and his colleagues, especially those who were injured that night. All our thoughts are with them at this time,' Mr Harris said.
An initial date of September had been set for the trial but this was moved forward at the request of the Irish government as Private Rooney's family had been waiting more than two years after his death for any progress in the case, despite numerous hearings taking place.
'I appreciate that this is an incredibly difficult day for the family of Private Rooney. None of us can fathom their unimaginable pain and grief and all my thoughts remain with them at this time,' Mr Harris said.