Nation tries to halt unrest at migrant detention camp

Australian officials were working on Monday to contain unrest at a remote detention center for asylum seekers in the Indian Ocean, with protesters lighting a series of small fires and guards withdrawing from the compound.

The immigration department confirmed there was a "major disturbance" at the detention center on the Australian territory of Christmas Island. Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said one detainee caught up in the fray had requested medical assistance for an unspecified reason, but no serious injuries had been reported.

Refugee advocates say riots broke out following the death of an asylum seeker who escaped from the facility on Saturday. The man's body was found the following day at the bottom of a cliff on the island. The cause of his death is under investigation.