Syrians flee to Iraq despite harsh conditions
- 12 years ago
An influx of Syrian refugees is expected here, at the Iraqi border town of Qaim, in the coming days.
The region is struggling to house those now fleeing unprecedented violence in Syria.
This amateur footage that Reuters cannot independently verify is said to be shot in Damascus, showing a tank opening fire.
Another piece shows members of the Free Syrian Army standing in front of a tank they say they destroyed in the city of Homs.
Around a thousand Syrian refugees crossed into Iraq since the authorities reopened the border on Monday, three days after they have sealed the crossing fearing a spillover of violence.
A school building has been converted into a makeshift refugee camp to house the fleeing families.
Red Crescent workers and Iraqi authorities were setting up tents to house more nearby.
Most of the refugees said they came when they heard about the Iraqi decision to open up its borders again, but after seeing the camps, some regretted their decision.
Others said the conflict at home left them with no option.
(SOUNDBITE)(Arabic) SYRIAN REFUGEE HUSSEIN KHUDHUR, SAYING:
"We fled of course, if we didn't have to flee why would be here? The borders were closed before, so we could not flee, but now we fled. We fled the bombing."
About 50 Iraqi military trucks carrying troops, tanks and guns were sent to reinforce the border.
Sarah Sheffer, Reuters
The region is struggling to house those now fleeing unprecedented violence in Syria.
This amateur footage that Reuters cannot independently verify is said to be shot in Damascus, showing a tank opening fire.
Another piece shows members of the Free Syrian Army standing in front of a tank they say they destroyed in the city of Homs.
Around a thousand Syrian refugees crossed into Iraq since the authorities reopened the border on Monday, three days after they have sealed the crossing fearing a spillover of violence.
A school building has been converted into a makeshift refugee camp to house the fleeing families.
Red Crescent workers and Iraqi authorities were setting up tents to house more nearby.
Most of the refugees said they came when they heard about the Iraqi decision to open up its borders again, but after seeing the camps, some regretted their decision.
Others said the conflict at home left them with no option.
(SOUNDBITE)(Arabic) SYRIAN REFUGEE HUSSEIN KHUDHUR, SAYING:
"We fled of course, if we didn't have to flee why would be here? The borders were closed before, so we could not flee, but now we fled. We fled the bombing."
About 50 Iraqi military trucks carrying troops, tanks and guns were sent to reinforce the border.
Sarah Sheffer, Reuters