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Philippine peacekeepers pull out early from Golan

MANILA - The Philippine military said Friday the bulk of Filipino peacekeepers of more than 240 soldiers have pulled out two weeks early from the UN mission in the Golan Heights due to escalating fighting in the region.

 

The 244 Filipino troops will arrive in Manila on a UN-chartered plane on Friday, Military spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said. A smaller batch of 85 soldiers will arrive Sunday from the Golan, ending a five-year Philippine peacekeeping role that has been marred by Syrian rebel kidnappings and attacks.

 

Zagala said the long-planned withdrawal is not connected with differences between Filipino security officials and the UN peacekeeping force commander over the recent handling of a now-resolved hostage crisis involving Filipino and Fijian troops in Golan.

 


פרסום ראשון: 09.19.14, 08:53