Israeli authorities have detained three Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) soldiers serving with the Fiji Battalion under the United Nations Dis-engagement Observer Force (UNDOF) mission in the Golan Heights, Syria, for allegations of drug smuggling.
Commander RFMF Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai said in a statement the soldiers were returning from leave in Jordan when they were detained at the Jordan and Israeli border on Sunday, June 25 (2023).
“The headquarters of the Fiji Battalion in UNDOF has been liaising with the Israeli authorities regarding this matter,” Mr Kalouniwai said.
“The RFMF maintains a zero-tolerance stance on any criminal activities by its members.”
He said all soldiers concerned would be dealt with in accordance with the Military Law and Laws of Fiji.
He added the RFMF would be sending an investigation team to the UNDOF to conduct its own Board of Inquiry concerning the allegation.
