Iran Condemns Abduction of UN Blue Berets
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the kidnapping of scores of UN peacekeepers on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights.
Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman on Friday condemned the kidnapping of UN forces near the Quneitra border crossing in Syria, and urged the immediate and unconditional release of the abductees.
Her comments came after militants affiliated with al-Qaeda kidnapped 43 UN peacekeepers of Fiji origin on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights on Thursday.
According to reports, 81 other Filipino blue helmets have also been surrounded by the militants after refusing to disarm.
“The responsibility for such an action without doubt lies on the terrorist groups and their supporters,” Afkham underlined.
The abduction took place a day after militants, believed to be affiliated with the al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front, took control of a crossing into the Israeli-occupied Syrian territory of the Golan Heights.
Quneitra is the only crossing between the Syrian and the Israeli-controlled sides of the strategic plateau.
