Indian troops leave for Golan Heights

Parts close to the area policed by the Syrians pose serious mine hazard. Forty-one personnel have been killed in the peacekeeping operation over the last three decades, including 39 military ones.

The peacekeeping force comprises two base camps, 44 permanently manned positions and 11 observation posts. The Indian team will be primarily be deployed in observation and patrol duties. It will have to intervene whenever the military enter or try to operate in the area. This is done with permanently manned positions and observation posts, and mobile patrols operating at irregular intervals by day and night on predetermined routes. The approved budget for the mission this year (July 2005-June 2006) is $43 million.

This is the second time India has contributed forces for peace-keeping in West Asian conflict, the other deployment being to southern Lebanon where the team had a similar operational profile.