Fijian peacekeepers stationed at the Syrian side of the Golan Heights are safe, confirms the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF).

Its director peacekeeping operations, Commander Humphrey Tawake, said the area remained volatile but families should be rest assured of the safety of their loved ones in the Golan Heights.

He made the comment following the ceasefire agreed earlier this month in the Syria conflict where hundreds of Syrians, including rebels, leave the last opposition-held area of Homs.

Commander Tawake said there were 95 soldiers in Positions 12 and 80 in Golan Heights on the Syrian side.

He said 15 Fijian peacekeepers were posted at Position 12 alongside their counterparts from Nepal.

He said Fijian peacekeepers were based at Position 80 and were reported to be all in good health.

He said the Fijian peacekeepers enjoyed their Christmas and had continued their day to day work.

The rest of the Fijian peacekeepers, he said, remained on the Israeli side of the border where they spent Christmas.

“They have been reminded to continue their good work in 2016. For soldiers at the Golan on the Israeli side, their Christmas service was conducted by the general secretary of the Methodist Church, Reverend Epeneri Vakadewavosa at Camp Ziouani.

“They were joined by the chief of staff of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), Colonel Jone Kalouniwai,” he said.