Irish peacekeepers were caught in an explosive blast in South Lebanon yesterday, according to the Defence Forces.

It happened around 8pm last night during a two-vehicle patrol as part of the Irish-Pol Batt mission operations.

The Defence Forces said the explosion was "of unknown origin".

It confirmed there were no casualties reported and all personnel are safe and accounted for.

Both vehicles were also recovered.

"The 124th Infantry Battalion will continue to conduct framework operations and remain the eyes and ears in South Lebanon for the international community," the Defence Forces said in a statement.

Irish troops are in Lebanon to monitor a ceasefire line between Hezbollah and Israel.

Some 88 members of the Defences Forces have died on overseas missions to date – with 47 of those deaths occurring in Lebanon.