Austrian troops begin to withdraw from the the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, as the crisis in Syria spills over the border.<br/> <br />With roughly 380 soldiers stationed here, Austrians make up the biggest contingent of the 1,000 strong U.N. peacekeeping force.<br/> <br />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.<br/> <br />The rebels were later driven out by Syrian government troops.<br/> <br />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.<br/> <br />Vienna has said they have a timetable for a full withdrawal of all troops within four weeks.<br/> <br />Negotiations are on-going at the U.N. about possible replacements from other countries.
