UNITED NATIONS - About 43 UN peacekeepers serving in the Golan Heights were detained on Thursday morning amid increased fighting in the area between Syrian Government forces and armed elements, the world body said.
The peacekeepers from the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) were detained by an armed group in the vicinity of Al Qunaytirah, according to information released by the UN.
Another 81 peacekeepers are currently being restricted to their positions in the vicinity of Ar Ruwayhinah and Burayqah.
“The United Nations is making every effort to secure the release of the detained peacekeepers, and to restore the full freedom of movement of the Force throughout its area of operation,” the UN said.
UNDOF peacekeepers were previously detained by armed elements in March and May of 2013 and were released safely.
Peacekeepers serving with UNDOF monitor the 1974 disengagement accord between Syria and Israel after their 1973 war. In June, the Security Council extended the mission’s mandate until 31 December 2014.
As of 31 July 2014, there are 1,223 peacekeepers from six countries – Fiji, India, Ireland, Nepal, Netherlands, and the Philippines – serving in UNDOF.