(Ha'aretz) Amos Harel - UN observers on the Syrian-Israel border are abandoning their posts following the abduction of Fijian soldiers and threats to the lives of other UN soldiers. Syrian rebel groups now control all areas south of the Quneitra border crossing, down to the border with Jordan, as well as several enclaves north of Quneitra. Yet Israel does not foresee an immediate danger. According to Arab media, Israel has been improving its relations with villagers east of the border over the last two years, by, among other things, opening a field hospital nearby. Hundreds of injured Syrians have been treated there. The crossing is now held by an alliance of groups considered to be more moderate and not keen on a confrontation with Israel. The Nusra Front, which helped them take control of the crossing, was subsequently moved away from the border.
2014-09-01 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive