For information only - not an official document

UNIS/INF/467
29 November 2012

Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

Latest incident involving UNDOF peacekeepers

VIENNA, 29 November (UN Information Service) - Today, a United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) convoy carrying troops scheduled to rotate out of the Mission came under gun fire close to the Damascus International Airport. The convoy came under fire in an area of Damascus where military operations between the Syrian armed forces and armed members of the opposition were taking place. Preliminary information received from UNDOF indicates that at least four UNDOF personnel were injured as a result of the gun fire. Finally, all UNDOF personnel from the convoy proceeded to Damascus International Airport.

The Secretary-General remains deeply concerned about the evolution of the conflict in Syria. As today's incident illustrates, the ongoing clashes between the Syrian armed forces and the armed members of the opposition affect UNDOF's operations and pose a serious risk to United Nations personnel on the ground. Safety and security of United Nations personnel is of the highest priority for the United Nations.

New York, 29 November 2012

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