UN Mission in Golan observes heavy fighting in area of separation

The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Golan Heights observed Wednesday a heavy fighting between the Syrian armed forces and armed members of the opposition in and around locations in the central part of the area of separation, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters here.

"During the fighting, several mortars landed in or near United Nations positions," Dujarric said at a daily news briefing here. "The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) retaliated with fire."

"The UNDOF Force Commander, Iqbal Singh Singha, remains in contact with the Syrian authorities and IDF to urge restraint and prevent an escalation of the situation," the spokesman said.

The spokesman did not give further details on the fighting, but the UN peacekeeping force which monitors the armistice line said several mortar rounds struck near its positions as rebel fighters, including some from Al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Nusra Front, stormed the crossing in deadly fighting with government troops.

UNDOF monitors the 1974 disengagement accord between Syria and Israel after their 1973 war.