Irish troops under increasing threat as tensions rise in Syria

Irish Army teams play key supportive role giving covering fire and defusing bombs.

Irish soldiers are involved in setting up the secure haven in the south of the Zone of Separation. Picture: Getty

The escalation of combat in the Zone of Separation in Syria, where 130 Irish troops of the 44th Infantry Group are stationed with the United Nations Disengagement and Observation Force (UNDOF), has significantly increased the threat level for those troops.

However, currently it is their colleagues from other nations who are facing the direct threat, with 43 Fijian troops disarmed and held captive by the rebels from Jabat Al-Nusra organisation.

While this force ...