1 Sep 2014

45 Fiji soldiers now believed to be held in Syria

8:01 pm on 1 September 2014

Fiji authorities now say that 45 of its soldiers are being held by Syrian rebels in the Golan heights, one more than has been claimed for the past three days.

The 45 Fiji soldiers captured by al-Nusra in Golan Heights.

The 45 Fiji soldiers captured by al-Nusra in Golan Heights. Photo: Supplied

The UN peacekeepers were taken by the al-Qaeda affiliated rebel group, the al-Nusra front, during heavy fighting in Golan on Thursday.

al-Nusra on Sunday released a statement with a picture of the soldiers in uniform, as well as 45 identification cards, and said that the men were captured because of the United Nations' alleged failure to help Syrians during the three-year long civil war.

Fiji Village reports Fiji's military commander, Brigadier General Mosese Tikoitoga, says the situation remains unchanged, and UN negotiators are still trying to secure the men's release.