Indian Army successfully evacuates injured soldier from UN Peacekeeping Mission in Golan Heights

PTC Web Desk: In a well-executed mission, the Indian Army successfully carried out the evacuation of one of its injured personnel from the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) stationed at the Golan Heights to New Delhi on Thursday.

UNDOF is a United Nations peacekeeping operation tasked with overseeing the ceasefire between Israel and Syria. India has made significant contributions to UN peacekeeping efforts, having deployed over 2,00,000 troops and police officials globally.

Havildar Suresh R (33), a member of the peacekeeping team, sustained multiple injuries and has been undergoing treatment for the last 30 days. He was first admitted to Rambam Hospital in Haifa, Israel, from August 22 to September 20. His diagnosis included head trauma, unspecified injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, diffuse axonal injury, and left-sided hemiparesis. On September 20, he was transferred to a Level 1 hospital on the Israeli side. Despite his injuries, his condition remained stable, with oxygen saturation above 98% on room air, a GCS score of 10/15, and noticeable improvement in his motor functions.

On Thursday, a Critical Care Air evacuation medical team, led by Lt Col Anuj Singh and supported by two paramedics from the Base Hospital in Delhi Cantt, flew the injured soldier out of the region. The air ambulance departed from Tel Aviv at 1.20 am IST, landing in Jamnagar, Gujarat, at 10 am. From there, the soldier was airlifted to Palam, New Delhi, arriving around 2 pm. He was then immediately taken to Army Hospital R&R in New Delhi for further medical care.

The Indian Army said the operation was coordinated with the Indian Air Force, the Ministry of External Affairs, and other agencies.