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While tension remained high between Israel and Syria, the US undertook diplomatic initiatives leading to the "Agreement on Disengagement" (S/11302/Add.1, annexes I and II) between Israeli and Syrian forces, providing a buffer zone and two equal areas of limitation of forces and armaments. A UN observer force was also established the same day as the agreement was signed, 31 May 1974. GeographyThe buffer zone is about 80 km long and from 0.5 to 10 km wide. The zone separates the Golan Heights and Syria where the Golan Heights border is known as Line "Alpha" and the Syrian border is known as Line "Bravo". The zone also borders Lebanon to the north ("Blue line") and forms a border less than 1 km with Jordan to the south. The region consistes of hilly terrain, with the highest point in the zone at Mount Hermon (elevation 2814m) on the Lebanese border. UNDOFThe initial composition of the UNDOF in 1974 was of personnel from Austria, Peru, Canada and Poland. Later, other nationalities including Finland, India, Japan, Nepal, and Slovakia contributed troops, who were also assisted by military observers from the United Nations Truce Supervisory Organization's Observer Group Golan as well as international and local civilian staff. UNDOF deployed within and close to the separation zone with two base camps, 44 permanently manned positions and 11 observation posts, with an operational headquarters at Camp Faouar and an office in Damascus. Two battalions monitor the separation zone with logistic units peforming second-line general transport, maintenance and supply tasks.
MandateThe activities of UNDOF include:
Canadian InvolvementThe Canadian contribution to UNDOF consisted of a 220-man logistics company designated the Canadian Contingent (CCUNDOF). This contribution was referred to as Operation DANACA, and was based at Camp Ziouani in Israeli territory, with some troops and individual observer and staff officers also serving adjacent to the separation area as well as in Damascus itself at UNDOF HQ. In 1992-93, the contingent was reduced from 220 members per tour to 180. InsigniaCanadian forces deployed to UNDOF were distinguished by the use of UN blue headdress and cap badges; all vehicles were also painted white and marked with United Nations markings.
FatalitiesFour Canadian service personnel died while serving with UNDOF in the 20th Century; from 1974 to 2006 41 soldiers and one civilian of all nations had died serving on the mission. |
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