Special to WorldTribune.com

LONDON — Israel and Syria have joined to help rescue United Nations observers from Islamist rebel militias in the Golan Heights.

Diplomatic sources said Israel and Syria provided fire and other support that enabled scores of members of the UN Disengagement Observer Force to flee Al Qaida’s Nusra Front for the Defense of the Levant.

The sources said most of the observers, members of the Fijian and Philippine contingents located near Quneitra, escaped to Israel.

“The Syrian and Israeli governments, along with the United States and Qatar, provided support,” the Philippine military said.

In a statement on Aug. 31, the Philippine military did not elaborate.

But the sources said the Syrian Army provided artillery fire that allowed 40 members of the Philippine contingent to flee to Israel. On Sept. 1, the army launched a major attack on the rebels.

Another 44 Fijian personnel were said to remain in captivity. So far, no casualties have been reported.

“At this time, no additional information on their status or location has been established,” the UN said. “The United Nations continues to actively seek their immediate and unconditional release.”

Nusra has demanded UN humanitarian aid to a rebel-held area of Damascus in exchange for the release of the hostages. In a statement, Nusra said the UN observers were being well-treated.

“We have given them what they need in terms of food and treatment,” Nusra said.

UNDOF maintains 1,223 personnel from Fiji, India, Ireland, Nepal, Netherlands and the Philippines. Over the last two years, at least three contingents withdrew from UNDOF amid repeated attacks by Islamist militias
on the Golan. In late August, the Philippines decided to pull out of the UN mission.

“Irish personnel secured a route, provided security as UNDOF troops withdrew from a UN position and escorted them to the Force Headquarters in Camp Faouar,” the Irish military said.

  Israel, Nusra Front, Quneitra, Syria jointly assist rescue of UN observers from Golan Heights