The remaining three New Zealand Defence Force personnel will withdraw from Syria this week as the violence there escalates.
In making the announcement today, Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully acknowledged the bravery and commitment of the Defence Force (NZDF) officers who have served in a "dangerously volatile'' situation.
"Unfortunately, the worsening violence in Syria has made it impossible for the mission (UNSMIS) to carry out its mandated task.
"The UN Security Council's mandate for the mission expired on 19 August. The UN has indicated it will have all international military observers, including all NZDF personnel, out of Syria by 23 August,'' he said.
NZDF troops have been in Syria for three months.
