Amid escalating tensions in Syria following the potential collapse of the Bashar al-Assad government, Indian Army personnel serving with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) have been placed on high alert. The ongoing instability in the region has prompted Indian military officials to formulate multiple contingency plans, including the possibility of evacuation, should the situation worsen.
Currently, 21 Indian officers and 124 soldiers are stationed in the area as part of the UN mission, tasked with overseeing ceasefire agreements and maintaining peace between Israel and Syria. Sources have indicated that as circumstances develop, there is a distinct chance that these troops may need to be relocated to neighboring Israel to ensure their safety if security conditions deteriorate significantly.
Indian Army officials are reportedly in close communication with the UN to safeguard the welfare of their personnel. Following a recent advisory from the United Nations aimed at mitigating exposure to potential hostilities, the Indian soldiers have been directed to remain within controlled zones. This measure is designed to minimize the risk of confrontation as tensions continue to rise.
It is important to note that the Indian contingent cannot unilaterally decide on their movement, which further necessitates regular contact with UN officials. This ongoing dialogue is vital for assessing the evolving situation and coordinating any potential evacuation of Indian forces from the area.
The UNDOF mission, in operation since June 1974, plays a critical role in maintaining the ceasefire between Israel and Syria, ensuring that both nations adhere to the terms of disengagement and armament limitations. The mission operates within a designated Area of Separation, a demilitarized zone that stretches approximately 80 kilometers in length and varies in width from 200 meters in the southern regions to 8 kilometers in the north. This zone, primarily characterized by the rugged terrain of Mount Hermon, includes the highest United Nations position at an elevation of 2,814 meters.
Indian troops are strategically deployed across vital sections of this area, which is divided into three operational zones, reflecting the importance of their presence in stabilizing this historically volatile region. As the situation in Syria remains unpredictable, the safety and operational readiness of Indian personnel continue to be a top priority for military and diplomatic channels involved in the UN mission.
