Security Council concerned by Syrian fire on Golan

Statement expresses fears over continuing use of heavy weapons in the area

By AP 27 March 2014, 5:24 am

Edit

A view of Israel's border with Syria in the Golan Heights, August 2013 (photo credit: Gili Yaari/Flash90)

UNITED NATIONS — The UN Security Council is expressing concern about ongoing military activity on the Golan Heights by the Syrian army and opposition fighters and condemning the decapitations of five apparent members of Syria’s military.

The council was briefed Wednesday on the UN peacekeeping force in the region, known as UNDOF, which was established after the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s most recent report on UNDOF warns that the “heavy clashes” in the area of separation “jeopardize the ceasefire between the two countries.”

A statement read by Luxembourg, which currently holds the council presidency, expressed concern about the continuing use of heavy weapons in the area, including barrel bombs.

Ban’s report on UNDOF says the five beheaded bodies were seen “in a location used by armed members of the opposition.”