Philippine military and defense officials are jubilant after Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights escape from their embattled positions following a clash with Syrian rebels affiliated with al-Qaeda. (Photo by Corporal Palima)
Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights have clashed with Syrian rebels and managed to flee from their embattled position to a more secure area at Camp Ziuani, Philippine military chief General Pio Catapang said Sunday.
He said the rebels under Al Nusra Front, an affiliate of al-Qaeda, attacked the peacekeepers on-board several trucks, but the Filipinos fought bravely in self-defense.
“Syrian rebels initiated an attack on Position 68. Our troops defended their position. The Syrian rebels attacked on-board pick-up trucks. Our peacekeepers returned fire in self-defense. Our troops fought back bravely and successfully held their positions. This attack prompted UNDOF to re-position our troops to a more secure position within the mission area,” Catapang said.
“The governments of Syria and Israel are supporting our troops to uphold the integrity of the area of separation and to deescalate the situation. The teamwork demonstrated by our fellow UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force) troop-contributing countries and the UN is exemplary. Other governments including the United States and Qatar also played a role in the safeguarding our peacekeepers,” he added.
He said the Philippines and the UN will not compromise the safety and security of the peacekeepers while in the pursuit of their duties.
“It is in our national interest to prioritize their safety without abandoning our commitment to international security. We commend our soldiers for exhibiting resolve even while under heavy fire. This manifests their determination to fulfill our commitment to the community of nations,” Catapang said.
The rebels have already seized 43 Fijians peacekeepers after luring them to surrender their weapons in Golan Heights. They also demanded the Filipino peacekeepers to surrender their weapons, but the soldiers flatly rejected the demand and stood bravely to protect their position.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/08/filipino-peacekeepers-in-golan-heights.html
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