Washington, Jun 6 (AFP) The United States said today it is "deeply troubled" over clashes on the Syrian border with Israel that reportedly resulted in 14 deaths, and called for calm on both sides.
Israeli troops opened fire as protesters from Syria today stormed a ceasefire line in the occupied Golan Heights.
"We are deeply troubled by events that took place earlier today in the Golan Heights resulting in injuries and the loss of life," the State Department said in a statement.
"We call for all sides to exercise restraint.
Provocative actions like this should be avoided."
The US statement emphasised that "Israel, like any sovereign nation, has a right to defend itself."
Hundreds of protesters rushed towards the ceasefire line on Sunday, cutting through barbed wire as they tried to enter the Golan Heights in a repeat of demonstrations last month that saw thousands mass along Israel's north.