
Irish troops deployed to the Golan Heights
Source: Irish Times
More than 100 Irish troops are to be be sent to war-torn Syria as part of a United Nations observer force later this summer.
The Government yesterday approved the deployment of a 114-strong mechanised infantry unit to the Golan Heights at the request of the UN.
A Government spokesman said the Irish troops would not be acting as peacekeepers or peace enforcers but in an observer capacity.
“They will be in a position to respond quickly to situations as they develop,” he added. The addition of Irish troops will bring the UN force up to a strength of 1,250.
Last month, the Austrian government announced it was withdrawing its 380-strong force from the Golan Heights because the area had become too dangerous. Continue reading