Third Kazakh peacekeeping unit ready for Golan Heights deployment

Kazakhstan is preparing to deploy its third national peacekeeping contingent to the United Nations mission in the Golan Heights, with troops having completed specialised training ahead of the assignment, according to Kazakh media.

The personnel underwent preparation at the Bitimger peacekeeping operations training centre under the Ministry of Defence. The training program covered tactical, specialised, medical, and language components, along with instruction on operating in a multinational environment in line with international standards.

Particular emphasis was placed on performing duties under conditions of heightened responsibility and coordinating effectively with foreign military contingents.

Deputy Defence Minister Major General Askar Mustabekov inspected the readiness of the troops during a working visit to the Almaty garrison. On behalf of the defence ministry, a projector was presented to the personnel.

The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force mission in the Golan Heights has been in operation since 1974. Kazakhstan has participated in the mission with an independent national contingent since 2024.

Kazakhstan’s first peacekeeping contingent, deployed to the Golan Heights in 2024, received United Nations awards for successfully carrying out its duties. Over 11 months of service, the troops neutralised approximately 200 unexploded ordnance and conducted a medical evacuation of a mission staff member.

The second contingent, deployed in April 2025, consisted of 139 servicemen from the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan, including two women.

By Tamilla Hasanova