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November 13, 2012

Syrian Attacks on Border Town Fuel Refugee Flight to Turkey 
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The Syrian military continues to launch attacks on the border town of
Ras al-Ain, sending hundreds of civilians fleeing to neighboring Turkey.
The new bombings come days after more than 11,000 Syrian civilians were
forced out during strikes last week, one of the largest refugee flights
of the Syrian conflict to date. Speaking in Geneva, the Head of Disaster
and Crisis Management at the International Federation of Red Cross and
Red Crescent Societies warned Turkey needs major aid to handle the
growing number of Syrian refugees.

Simon Eccleshall: "We've seen a doubling of the camp population since
July 2012. And I think that as you have seen over the last few days,
there has been an increase in the number of Syrians moving into Turkey.
They now recognize that the situation is becoming prolonged, the initial
thoughts that the population might be displaced for a shorter amount of
time are now being reassessed and the government of Turkey along with
its partners are planning for the contingency of a longer-term
assistance program."

 

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