Forty Republic of Fiji Military Forces personnel return to Camp Faouar in Syria next week as part of the United Nations Disengagement Observer  Force (UNDOF) advance team.

The team which also includes Indian and Nepalese troops are tasked to assess and rebuild what was once the UNDOF headquarters.

RFMF director Peacekeeping, Commander Humphrey Tawake confirmed the move yesterday.

The RFMF team are tasked to secure Camp Faouar, while the Indians provide logistic co-ordination and the 30 plus Nepalese men focus on construction.

RFMF’s Force Construction engineer, Major Sauqaqa will lead construction efforts.

The move back to Camp Faouar comes after months of planning along with the assurance of the Syrian Government of the security of UNDOF forces.

In mid September 2014 the UN had evacuated their main UNDOF headquarters in Syria into Israel due to the deterioration of security in the region as anti-Syrian Government forces took over the area, including Islamic militants.

45 Fijian peacekeepers were taken captive by an al-Qaeda-linked Syrian rebel group and later released.

A United Nations commander had ordered them not to resist the heavily armed militants.

Fijian peacekeepers have since been better armed thanks to the Russian equipment obtained by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Bainimarama has arrived in Israel for a  state visit.

He will visit those serving in Golan on Wednesday.

Edited by Maraia Vula

Feedback:  rosi.doviverata@fijisun.com.fj

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