Austrian UN troops withdraw from Golan Heights

Austrian troops begin to withdraw from the the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, as the crisis in Syria spills over the border.

With roughly 380 soldiers stationed here, Austrians make up the biggest contingent of the 1,000 strong U.N. peacekeeping force.

But Vienna announced last week that it would be pulling out its force following a four decade long presence after its soldiers were sent running for cover when Syrian rebels captured a border post.

The rebels were later driven out by Syrian government troops.

This contingent of 67 Austrian troops were leaving as part of a pre-planned troop rotation and will not be replaced by further troops from Austria.

Vienna has said they have a timetable for a full withdrawal of all troops within four weeks.

Negotiations are on-going at the U.N. about possible replacements from other countries.