U.N. peacekeepers held in Golan Heights

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JAMLA, Syria, March 6 (UPI) -- The United Nations said Wednesday Syrian militants detailed about 20 of its peacekeepers in the Golan Heights on the border between Syria and Israel.

The United Nations confirmed the incident after videos posted on YouTube showed fighters with the seized convoy, al-Jazeera reported.

U.N. spokesman Eduardo del Buey said the peacekeepers were on a regular supply mission when they were intercepted near an observation post evacuated last weekend following heavy fighting. He said a U.N. team was sent to assess the situation and try to secure the peacekeepers' release.

Syrian activists said the peacekeepers are from the Philippines, al-Jazeera said. The United Nations did not confirm their nationalities.

Al-Jazeera said a man in the video said he was a member of the "Martyrs of Yarmouk" brigade and the U.N. convoy would not be freed until Syrian government forces withdraw from the Syrian village of Jamla, located near the Golan Heights, which are occupied by Israel.

"If no withdrawal is made within 24 hours we will treat them as prisoners," he said.

Iran's Press TV reported about 30 militants were involved.

Israel has occupied the Golan Heights since 1967.