Beirut: An Irish soldier on UN peacekeeping duty has died in a gun attack in Lebanon, officials said.

Three others were hurt in the incident.

United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said in a statement: " Last night a peacekeeper was killed and three others were injured in an incident in Al-Aqbieh, just outside UNIFIL’s area of operations in south Lebanon."

"We offer our deepest condolences to the friends, family, and colleagues of the peacekeeper who died. We are hopeful for a full and fast recovery for those injured," read the statement.

"We are coordinating with the Lebanese Armed Forces, and have launched an investigation to determine exactly what happened," the statement said.

Meanwhile, the deceased soldier was  identified as Private Seán Rooney.

Condoning his death, Ireland's Defence Minister Simon Coveney tweeted: "Private Seán Rooney will always be remembered and honoured by the @defenceforces
and #Ireland for his service, professionalism & sacrifice as a peacekeeper serving his country and #UN. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues."

The official Irish Defence Force's Twitter page mentioned: " Óglaigh na hÉireann can confirm the name of the the soldier killed on active service whilst serving in UNIFIL this morning. 869674 Private Seán Rooney, a member of the 27 Infantry Battalion and a native of Newtwoncunningham, Co Donegal.Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. "