Troops on the Golan make their views known to UN review

Embattled Irish troops in the Golan Heights are making their views known to an on-the-ground UN review as the Government awaits a decision from UN headquarters on their request for a change in the mission.

Defence Minister Simon Coveney said that the Government was “insisting on an appropriate response from the UN” to the worsening security situation on the Syrian side of the demilitarised zone.

He said a final decision on whether or not to send a replacement battalion to the Golan Heights — scheduled for the end of this month — was contingent on what decision the UN made in relation to the structure, makeup, and mandate of the mission.