Syria: UN says 43 Golan Heights peacekeepers are seized by militants

The United Nations says 43 of its peacekeepers in the Golan Heights have been detained by ‘an armed group’ fighting President Assad’s army in Syria.

UN positions were reinforced shortly after the world body said it was working to secure their release. A further 81
peacekeepers are trapped.

There has been intense fighting after rebels – reportedly including al Qaeda’s Syria wing – seized a border crossing into the Israeli-occupied sector.

Two Israelis – a soldier and civilian in the Golan Heights – were injured by errant fire.

Israel captured the western part of the plateau from Syria in 1967, annexing it in a move not internationally recognised.

The UN is there to maintain the ceasefire between the two enemy countries.