NZ troops at greater risk

Kiwi troops in Syria are facing ‘‘significant risks’’ as violence continues to escalate in the Middle Eastern country.

Six New Zealand Defence Force army and airforce officers joined the United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria last month to monitor a ceasefire agreement.

The New Zealanders are part of a 300-strong contingent of unarmed military observers and are due to stay there for three months. Patrols were suspended during the weekend, but military observers would stay in their current locations, head of the mission General Robert Mood said.

‘‘This suspension will be reviewed on a daily basis. Operations will resume when we see the situation fit for us to carry out our mandated activities.’’

Violence had intensified in the past 10 days, he said.

‘‘The lack of willingness by the parties to seek a peaceful transition, and the push towards advancing military positions, is increasing the losses on both sides: innocent civilians, men, women and children are being killed every day. It is also posing significant risks to our observers.’’

The UN estimated more than 10,000 people, mostly civilians, had been killed in Syria and tens of thousands displaced since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began about 16 months ago.

The New Zealand Government agreed to send six defence force personnel after an urgent request from the UN last month.

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said $1 million was provided to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to help more than 30,000 Syrians who had fled to Turkey.