32 Filipino peacekeepers evacuated, others under attack: UN

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Thirty-two Filipino United Nations (UN) peacekeepers have been evacuated after being caught up in heavy fighting on the Golan Heights while others remain under fire, the UN confirmed on Saturday (Aug 30).

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The group was part of a 72-member contingent situated in two different locations in the area.

Those remaining are currently still under fire, preventing them from being moved out, the UN said in a statement issued from its New York headquarters.

The statement said another position was also attacked by "armed elements" with mortar and heavy machine gun fire and that the peacekeepers returned fire and prevented the attackers from entering. That position "is currently under fire, preventing the personnel from moving out," it added.

There are no reported casualties among UN personnel, the statement said. However, "we are still working towards the safe release of the detained 44 Fijian peacekeepers," it added.

The peacekeepers were besieged by rebels on Thursday but defied demands that they give up their weapons.

Rebels, including some linked to Al-Qaeda's Syria affiliate, Al-Nusra Front, also took hostage 44 Fijian peacekeepers, the UN has said.