Trapped Filipino peacekeepers relocated to safe area in the Golan - UN

The United Nations said on Sunday that all 72 Filipino peacekeepers formerly surrounded by armed elements in two different locations in the Golan are now safe.

Meanwhile, the world body continues to seek the immediate and unconditional release of the 44 Fijian peacekeepers detained last Thursday by armed elements, the UN said in a note issued to the press.

Currently, no additional information on their status or location has been established.

Troops from the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) remain on high alert and continue to carry out their mandated tasks, the note added.

Peacekeepers serving with UNDOF monitor the 1974 disengagement accord between Syria and Israel after their 1973 war. As of 31 July 2014, there are 1,223 peacekeepers from six countries – Fiji, India, Ireland, Nepal, Netherlands, and the Philippines – serving in the Force.