TEMPO.CO, Damascus - Some 43 UN peacekeepers from Fiji have been captured by Syrian militants in the Golan Heights that borders Israel while 81 other peacekeepers from the Philippines were trapped in the region.
"During a period of increased fighting beginning yesterday between armed elements and Syrian Arab Armed Forces within the area of separation in the Golan Heights, 43 peacekeepers from the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) were detained early this morning by an armed group in the vicinity of Al Qunaytirah," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said as quoted from Reuters.
Dujarric said the 81 peacekeepers are being restricted to their positions in Ar Ruwayhinah and Burayqah.
The Philippine Forces said militants had surrounded the Philippines' contingent camp by holding hostage of peacekeepers from Fiji behind the camp. The militants demanded that the Philippine forces surrendered their weapons. However, the demand was rejected and the Philippine forces were trapped and unable to move.
The UN Security Council has condemned the militants and called for an immediate release of the peacekeepers.
Previously on Wednesday, Syrian militants, including al Qaeda-affiliated al Nusra rebels, attacked the Quneitra corssing and triggered shootings with Israel.
ANINGTIAS JATMIKA | REUTERS
