What type of missions do the UN commonly undertake in peacekeeping operations?

The focus of UN peacekeeping operations is primarily on maintaining peace and security, which is achieved through activities such as monitoring ceasefires and protecting civilians. These missions are designed to help prevent the re-escalation of conflict in post-war situations or areas recovering from instability.

By overseeing ceasefire agreements, UN peacekeepers work to ensure that the parties committed to peace adhere to their agreements, which is critical for fostering an environment conducive to political dialogue and rebuilding efforts. Additionally, protecting civilians is a vital component of these operations, as peacekeepers often find themselves in volatile situations where the safety of non-combatants is at risk.

In contrast, the nature of the other options is not aligned with the UN's mandate. Combat missions against armed groups and military offensives fall outside the UN’s role, as their peacekeeping forces are not authorized to engage in combat but rather to provide a buffer and maintain peace. Aerial surveillance for national security, while important in various military contexts, does not reflect the UN's peacekeeping mission characteristics, which are centered around neutrality, consent, and the use of force only in self-defense or when explicitly mandated for the protection of civilians.