Number of refugees crossing Turkish-Syrian border reaches 3,000

Number of refugees crossing Turkish-Syrian border reaches 3,000

2011-06-10 22:59:14 GMT+7 (ICT)

ANKARA, TURKEY (BNO NEWS) -- Turkish authorities on Friday informed that nearly 3,000 refugees have entered Turkey after escaping from violence in the neighboring Syria, the state-run Anatolia news agency reported.

As of Friday morning, the total number of Syrian asylum seekers reached 2,792; most of them fleeing from the northwestern town of Jisr Al-Shughour. However, in the afternoon, authorities said the amount reached 3,000.

Most of them are being sheltered at a refugee camp in the border town of Yayladagi in Hatay province which was established in late April. Approximately 600 tents were set up as well as 3,000 beds, mobile kitchens and toilets.

In addition, Turkey's Red Crescent Aid Society is setting up a third shelter camp. The country's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority granted 750,000 Turkish liras ($450,000) for refugees in Hatay province.

Many of the Syrian refugees have described their country's security forces violent attacks on civilians and protesters. Many injured asylum seekers are being treated at Turkish hospitals.

Turkey's President Abdullah Gul said Friday that his government is closely monitoring the latest developments in Syria and is prepared for the worst case scenarios. He also expressed his concern for the civilians during the violent crackdowns.

On Wednesday, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan assured shelter for asylum seekers and vowed to keep the border crossing with Syria open. In addition, the government expressed their concern over the situation in the neighboring country.

The town of Jisr al-Shughour has been the stage of violent crackdown on protesters. Amnesty International said that at least 120 people were killed since Friday in what was labeled as "one of the bloodiest weekends in months of pro-reform demonstrations."

In mid-March, pro-democracy demonstrations began in Syria and have continued across the country, which has been ruled by the Baath Party since 1963. Protesters are demanding the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, who took over his father in 2000.

According to Amnesty International 986 people has been killed by security forces during the last 11 weeks. In addition, thousands more have been arrested. The number, however, does not include security personnel, many of whom have been killed in attacks by armed groups, according to the Syrian government.

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