The number of Syrian refugees fleeing the country has dramatically increased this week, sparking fears of a mass movement out of the country.
In Jordan alone, 10,200 Syrian refugees arrived this week, more than double the 4,500 the week before. According to Melissa Fleming spokeswoman for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the numbers included an increasing number of unaccompanied children, both orphans and those who had been sent ahead by their parents, some without passports.
She told reporters that there were reports the refugees were “being bombed as they were trying to cross" the border, adding,
A Turkish official told Reuters,
In Jordan alone, 10,200 Syrian refugees arrived this week, more than double the 4,500 the week before. According to Melissa Fleming spokeswoman for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the numbers included an increasing number of unaccompanied children, both orphans and those who had been sent ahead by their parents, some without passports.
She told reporters that there were reports the refugees were “being bombed as they were trying to cross" the border, adding,
“We believe this could be the start of a much larger influx. Some of those who have crossed in recent days — especially Friday — report being bombed by aircraft. There are also reports of shelling, mortars and other weapons fire.”Turkey has also seen an increase in the number of refugee arrivals, having already been hosting more than 80,000 from Syria.
“Refugees say many thousands more are waiting to cross amid violence around Dara’a”
A Turkish official told Reuters,
"We will be asking the United Nations to be more active in terms of helping the Syrians on their side of the border."
