Fijian troops stationed in the Golan Heights as part of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) and the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) are reported to be safe amid the recent turmoil in Syria. This follows significant developments leading to the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which has governed for over five decades. Rebel forces have managed to seize the capital, Damascus, in an impressive maneuver completed in less than two weeks.

Reports suggest that President Assad may have fled the country and is currently in Russia seeking asylum. His absence comes as Islamist insurgents launched a rapid offensive movement beginning from a small area in northwest Syria, resulting in a swift overthrow of his authority in just 11 days.

In a recent statement, Fiji’s Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, emphasized that he has been kept informed by the Commander of the Joint Task Force Command regarding the situation. He noted the successful evacuation of a Fijian officer from Damascus back to Camp Faour, underscoring the effectiveness of the peacekeeping operational strategies in place.

Assuring the safety of Fijian personnel, Tikoduadua confirmed that all troops at UNDOF and UNTSO, including those at the Camp Faour headquarters, are secure and accounted for. The region remains calm but tense, and he reiterated that there is no immediate threat to Fijian peacekeepers. Close coordination with the United Nations and other parties is ongoing to monitor the fluctuating situation, and contingency plans are prepared to protect personnel if necessary.

Over the weekend, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) conducted operations in the demilitarized zone of the Golan Heights to address potential threats from rebel groups. However, Tikoduadua reassured that United Nations positions were not a target of these operations, and all UN personnel, including those at Observation Post 71, remain unharmed. Efforts are underway to recover equipment impacted during a rebel incursion, with the IDF enhancing security in the buffer zone, significantly improving the safety for UNDOF and UNTSO forces.

Local communities near UN positions have voiced their support for Fijian peacekeepers and are collaborating to ensure stability in the region. Tikoduadua commended the bravery and dedication of the Fijian troops, highlighting their commitment to fostering international peace and security even amid challenging conditions.

This situation illustrates the resilience and adaptability of peacekeeping forces in the face of conflict, and the continued support from local communities is a hopeful sign of solidarity for stability in the region.