Brochure for MPAC

Camp Faouar, Syria 1974 MPAC VISIT 20th – 22nd APRIL (Guiding brochure)

2 A Brief Introduction of UNDOF The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) was established by Security Council resolution 350 (1974) of 31 May 1974 to maintain the ceasefire between Israel and Syria, supervise the disengagement of Israeli and Syrian force and supervise the areas of separation and limitation, as provided in May 1974 Agreement on Disengagement Since then, the mandate of UNDOF has been renewed every six months. Over the years, while recommending the next extension of the mandate, the Secretary-General has repeatedly observed that, despite the present quiet in the Israel Syrian sector, the situation in the Middle East is very tense and was likely to remain so, unless and until a comprehensive settlement covering all aspects of the Middle East problem will be reached. In the prevailing circumstances, he considered the continued presence of UNDOF in the area to be essential. UNDOF Strength Female participation in UNDOF

3 AO of UNDOF

4 Summary of Operational Activities 1. Bottom line up front The threat of armed conflict and terrorism in the vicinity of UNP 10A, OP 72 and the Bravo Gate is currently assessed as MODERATE, in that a direct or indirect attack is possible but not likely. The significant threat for UNDOF assets in the operational area continues to be exposure to UXO (Unexploded Ordnance), Mines, IED and other ERW (Explosive Remnants of War). 2. Threat assessment (TA) The TA for this operation remains as follows in territory and vicinity of UNP 10A, OP 72 are as follows (As of Apr 2022): THREAT LEVEL Armed Conflict SUBSTANTIAL Terrorism SUBSTANTIAL Crime MODERATE Civil Unrest LOW Hazards MODERATE 3. Armed Conflict The threat to UN personnel from armed conflict is currently assessed to be SUBSTANTIAL. Due to SAAF control in the area, the conflict between AGAE and PGAE/SAAF has decreased, although they are currently challenged by known/unknown armed elements in some areas in the sector. At present, it is assessed to be unlikely that any NSAG will directly target UNDOF. However, an indirect threat in the event of IDF strike on SAAF and/or likely Iranian or Hezbollah positions in the vicinity of the UNDOF position still persists. Reports in the last twelve (12) months indicate that on 01 Jun 21, the IDF carried out a strike IVO AL-HORAYE, QUNEITRA. The target was reportedly a SAAF military outpost near the S7 barrel in the AOS. The IDF had earlier dropped leaflets in the area warning of SAAF cooperation with Hezbollah. On 17 Jun 21, the IDF conducted an attack from an MBT against a target in AL-QAHTANIYAH, Quneitra targeting a military point belonging to SAAF 90th Brigade of the First Corps, which led to the destruction of the site without causing any casualties. Separately, in the last year there were reportedly three (03) armed attacks / clashes that have taken place inside the AOL. The armed clashes were basically between SAAF and unknown armed elements. On 02 Mar 21, armed clashes between two (02) armed groups in RASM AL KHAWALED took place which resulted in the deaths of four (04) reconciled former rebels and on 12 Mar 21, an unknown armed element attacked a security services checkpoint in the vicinity of AL SAMDANIYAH. The attacks were revenge-oriented attacks on SAAF checkpoints and Security services

5 post. Finally, on 30 Apr 21, unknown armed elements attacked a SAAF position near OP 56 with a sustained fire fight reported between unknown armed elements and SAAF. All SAAF structures along the technical fence (TF), alleged Iranian or Hezbollah’s presence in SAAF position (observation posts and intelligence collection systems) in the AOS are potential targets for IDF strikes. Although the UN is not the intended target of such attacks the risk of collateral damage is high. The closest SAAF position/checkpoint is located at SPIDER JUNCTION (UTM 653-701) which is approximately 1 3.5km from Bravo Gate. However, it is unlikely that any Non-State Armed Group will directly target UN personnel and its assets. 4. Terrorism Overall, SAAF exercises control over the whole area in the sector. However, from March 2021 to April 22, there were four (04) open-source reports of AGAE attacks, or attempted attacks, on security forces in the sector. On 08 Mar 21 an IED detonated on the road between JABA and BATINAH, causing material damage only. On 26 Mar 21, a VBIED attack resulted the death of the Secretary of the local Baath Party Division and injury to two (02) others on the road between JABA and BATINAH. On 16 Apr 21, two (02) members of military security branch were killed and another wounded in an IED attack near BATINAH. On 08 Jan 22, one (01) civilian was killed and one more injured in blast of an explosive device, left behind by unknown elements in the southern part of HADDAR town. It is evident from these attacks that AGAE have a common modus operandi of targeting pro-government or security services personnel in the area. Most of the population in the sector is assessed to be pro-government except for the Tri-Village area. Mainly Shiite, Druze, and Christian population are considered pro-government groups and Sunni as anti-government. However, a sizeable part of the Sunni population in communities along the Quneitra-Damascus highway or areas controlled by GoS in the Sector Center are considered pro-government. There have been NO recent incidents of any terrorist-related activities specifically targeting UN personnel. The threat is currently assessed as SUBSTANTIAL. 5. Civil Unrest This threat is currently assessed as LOW. There have been five (05) significant incidents of civil unrest (unfriendly behavior) recorded recently against UN. The local population within the AOS/AOL seem well disposed to UNDOF personnel and there are no indicators of any hostile activities except some unfriendly behavior towards UN and UN agencies within the locality. Furthermore, SAAF checkpoints and military positions near UN positions reduce the possibility of civil unrest. There have been incidents in the past year of children throwing stones at UN patrols as they pass, however, there was never damage incurred to the vehicles and these incidents are minor, involving primarily children. UNDOF patrols should be cognizant of the potential for these incidents when driving through urban areas.

6 6. Hazards This threat is currently assessed as MODERATE. All the areas around Bravo Gate were cleared and there is less chance of UN personnel coming upon Explosive Remnants of War (ERW), but possibilities cannot be ruled out. Feb 21 was the last report of a civilia killed as a result of an ERW in vicinity of AQRABA. During this time of the year (summer), grass fires are common and pose a significant risk to any UN activity as well as UN facilities in the area; they may trigger mine/UXO/ERW explosions which pose a significant risk to UN movements. 7. Recommendation and conclusion: The general population IVO UNP27, UNP60 and Bravo Gate continues to display a positive attitude towards UNDOF operations. However, personnel must remain cognizant of sporadic escalations in tensions, which may lead to temporary strained relations/negative actions towards UNDOF/SAAF within the sector AOR. Though the UN is not the intended target of suspected IDF attacks, such attacks that take place in close proximity pose potential collateral risk. Places to visit at Damascus 1. Damascus Umayyad Mosque. The Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, located in the old city of Damascus, is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. It is considered by some Muslims to be the fourth-holiest place in Islam. The sacred spot where the mosque was built provided a place of divine worship for over three millennia. The Aramean king Hazael, who had taken power in 805 B.C., built a sumptuous temple for “Hadad Rimmon”, the pagan god of rain and thunder. This became one of the greatest Syrian temples, until it was savagely destroyed by the Assyrian king Tiglet Pilaser in 732 B.C. In the aftermath of the Roman conquest of Syria in 64 B.C., led by Pompeius, the temple was converted to serve Jupiter (another configuration of Hadad and Zeus), and ancient vestiges of this, such as the southern gate and parts of the outer sanctuary (the Peribolos), still remain today.

7 2. Old City. The Ancient City of Damascus is the historic city centre of Damascus, Syria. The old city which is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, contains numerous archaeological sites, including some historical churches and mosques. Many cultures have left their mark, especially Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Islamic. In 1979, the historical center of the city, surrounded by walls of Roman era, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. 3. Al-Hamidiyah Souq. The Al-Hamidiyah Souq romanized Soūq (al-Ḥamīdīyah) is the largest and the central souk in Syria, located inside the old walled city of Damascus next to the Citadel. The souq is about 600 metres (2,000 ft) long [1][2] and 15 metres (49 ft) wide,[1] and is covered by a 10-metre (33 ft) tall metal arch.[1] The souq starts at Al-Thawra street and ends at the Umayyad Mosque Plaza, and the ancient Roman Temple of Jupiter stands 40 feet tall in its entrance. 4. The National Museum of Damascus. The National Museum in Damascus was established under the supervision of the Ministry of Education in 1919. The original core of this museum's contents was initially kept at the Madrasa al-'Adiliya. The collection gradually increased and the discovery of the Umayyad palace of Qasr al-Hayr al-Gharbi in the Syrian desert in 1936 further spurred into action plans for a newer and bigger museum. A building located next to Al- Takiyya al-Sulaymaniya was chosen for the establishment of the National Museum of Damascus.

8 5. Saladin (Selahedîn) Mausoleum. The Mausoleum of Saladin holds the resting place and grave of the medieval Muslim Ayyubid Sultan Saladin. It is adjacent to the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Syria. It was built in 1196, three years after the death of Saladin. Originally the tomb complex included the burial of Salah al-Din and Madrassah al-Aziziah of which little remains except a few columns and an internal arch adjacent to the renovated tomb of Saladin. The mausoleum presently houses two sarcophagi: one made of wood, said to contain Saladin's remains, and one made of marble, was built in homage to Saladin in late nineteenth century by Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II and was later restored by German emperor Wilhelm II. Along with a marble sarcophagus, a golden ornate gilt bronze wreath was also put on the marble sarcophagus, which was later removed by either Faisal I or Lawrence of Arabia who later deposited it in the Imperial War Museum. Important Numbers of UNDOF

MPAC Visit Program 9 (a) 20th April Yafour Hotel Faouar MMMaasasnsnnaaa Yafour Yafour (b) 21st April (c) 22nd April Masna Masna Masna Masna

10 Route to Visit UNPs (Line Tour)

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