The 44 UN peacekeepers detained Thursday in the Golan Heights are "safe and in good health," a UN spokesman told reporters here late Friday, quoting what he described as "credible sources."

"The United Nations has received assurances from credible sources that the 44 peacekeepers from the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) who were taken from their position on the morning of Thursday, 28 August, are safe and in good health," the spokesman said in an emailed note to the press here.

"UNDOF has been in regular contact with the peacekeepers who are confined in two UNDOF positions (68 and 69) and can confirm they have not been harmed and are in good health," the spokesman said.

However, "UNDOF has not yet had direct contact with these peacekeepers," he said.

The 44 peacekeepers from the UNDOF, who are all from Fiji, were detained by armed elements of the Syrian opposition amid increased fighting in the area between Syrian government forces and armed groups.

"UNDOF has been informed that the intention behind those holding the peacekeepers was to remove them from an active battlefield to a safe area for their own protection," the spokesman said.

UNDOF on Wednesday said that several mortar rounds struck near its positions as Syrian rebel fighters, including some from Al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Nusra Front, stormed the crossing in deadly fighting with Syrian government troops.

"The United Nations is engaging -- continues to engage -- with a wide range of parties within Syria, and is making every effort to ensure the safety and security of its personnel," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters here earlier Friday.

"The UN is also engaging with member states who may have influence over armed opposition elements to encourage the safe release of the peacekeepers," he said.

Twenty-five Philippine peacekeepers serving with UNDOF were detained by armed elements in March and May of 2013. They were released safely shortly afterward.

Peacekeepers serving with UNDOF monitor the 1974 disengagement accord between Syria and Israel after their 1973 war. As of July 31, there are 1,223 peacekeepers from six countries -- Fiji, India, Ireland, Nepal, Netherlands and the Philippines -- serving in the force.

In June, the UN Security Council extended UNDOF's mandate for another six months, until Dec. 31, 2014.

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