Aquino threatens to withdraw troops

President Benigno Aquino III has threatened to withdraw Philippine troops from the UN peacekeeping force on the Golan Heights unless they receive anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons, and are protected against chemical arms. Aquino said the UN Disengagement Observer Force, now made up of just over 500 Filipino and Indian troops, needed revised rules of engagement as Syria’s civil war heats up. Manila pledged to keep its troops in the volatile strip of land between Syria and Israel until at least August 3, but said their continued presence would depend on the UN beefing up security. At least 25 Filipino soldiers were kidnapped by Syrian rebels in two separate incidents this year.

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