Syria: Rebels conquer the Golan

Rebels against the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad occupied the Quneitra crossing that connects Israel and Syria, and where the peacekeepers of the world organization are stationed.

The Quneitra crossing in the demilitarized zone, patrolled by the UN, is the only one between the two hostile countries, and taking control of it could increase Israel's security concerns over the Syrian civil war.

"Yes, there was shooting," Herve Lads told reporters during his visit to Paris, adding that events in the Golan Heights, which is a very sensitive region, are being closely monitored, as he said, confirming that the crossing has been conquered.

He explained that the UN forces (UNDOF) took measures to ensure the safety of their personnel, but he emphasized that these incidents did not call into question the mission of the world organization.

"We are doing everything to reduce risks. We have closed points that were too exposed, strengthened our equipment and vehicles and our activities are more static," he said, as reported by Reuters.

Reuters also reported at the same time that rebels had captured a border crossing in the demilitarized zone between Israel and Syria today, citing activists, as fierce clashes between opposition and Assad forces continued.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said for the first time today that rebels have captured a border crossing near the occupied Golan Heights, but it is unclear whether fighters fighting Assad will be able to hold it.

Austria withdraws peacekeeping troops from the Golan Heights

Austria announced today that it is withdrawing its contingent of UNDOF peacekeepers from the Golan Heights after the Syrian conflict briefly spilled over into the area near their positions.

In a joint statement, Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann and Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger announced that "the development of events... has shown that further waiting cannot be justified."

With 377 soldiers, Austria has the largest contingent in the 900-strong international UN peacekeeping mission in the Golan Heights, which straddles Syria and Israel. Its peacekeeping forces have been present in that area since the beginning of the Golan mission in 1974, which was supposed to separate the Israeli and Syrian armies.

The two rival countries agreed to the formation of the UNDOF peacekeeping mission after Syria tried unsuccessfully in 1973 to recapture the area captured by Israel in 1967.

In addition to Austria, the Philippines and India have peacekeeping forces in the Golan. Croatia withdrew its contingent in March.