United Nations: Fiji Peacekeepers Released by Syrian Islamist Group in Golan Heights
The 45 Fiji peacekeeping soldiers held hostage by Syrian extremist group the Nusra Front have been released without any ransom being paid.
The United Nations announced in a statement that the 45 troops held captive had been released into their custody. The U.N. Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), in which the group serves, has monitored the situation at the Golan Heights between Syria and Israel since the 1970s. The men were captured in Aug. 28.
"The U.N. said in a note issued to the media that the Fijians were handed to UNDOF at 2:30 p.m. local time. All the 45 peacekeepers are in good condition and will undergo medical assessment," the release stated.
According to The Associated Press, there was no ransom paid and the troops were released thanks to negotiations through Qatar. Troops from six countries comprise the strength of UNDOF, including Fiji, Ireland, India, Nepal, the Netherlands and the Philippines.
Islamic groups have previously kidnapped troops from The Philippines. In March 6, 2013, the Yarmouk Martyrs Brigade captured 21 Filipino troops and released them three days later. Four other Filipino troops were captured in May 7 of the same year and released.
This year, after the capture of the Fijian troops, Syrian militants surrounded more than 80 Filipino troops, but they fought their way out, defying U.N. orders. The Philippines says it will not send more troops to the region.
However, according to the AP, Fiji will not follow the Philippines.
"My assumption is that the 45 would return home, and I hope they would be swapped out by new troops from Fiji," U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.
"We are glad to know that the 45 Fijian peacekeepers have been released and are safe with the United Nations Disengagement Observers," said France's ambassador to Fiji, Gilles Montagnier, according to Fiji Times.
"We also acknowledge the team of negotiators and the efforts from other parties in securing the safe release of the Fijian soldiers."
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