UN peacekeepers use binoculars to watch smoke rising in the distance caused by fighting between forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad and rebels over the control of the Quneitra border crossing, on August 27, 2014 (Photo credit: Jack Guez/AFP)
International body says it has received assurances that 44 troops detained by terrorists are in good health
(SOURCE) UN officials have received assurances that 44 peacekeepers detained by Syrian rebels in the Golan Heights are safe and in good health, a UN spokesman said Friday.
Syrian armed fighters, including some linked to the al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Nusra Front, stormed a Golan Heights crossing on Wednesday, taking 44 troops from Fiji who were forced to surrender their weapons.
The rebels surrounded another group of 72 soldiers from the Philippines serving in the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) that is tasked with monitoring a ceasefire between Syria and Israel since 1974.
The United Nations did not say whether the 44 Fijian soldiers had been released, but a statement suggested progress was being made in negotiations to secure their freedom.
“The United Nations has received assurances from credible sources that 44 peacekeepers from UNDOF who were taken from their position… are safe and in good health,” said a statement from the spokesman.
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