Syrian Refugees Flock to Turkey

Looking for someplace safe

THOUSANDS of people have fled the Syrian border town of Ras al-Ayn for the safety of Turkey as the battle between Syrian rebels and government troops raged for a fifth day.

Across the border in Ceylanpinar, Turkey, loudspeakers warned residents to stay indoors as Syrian jets and artillery raked rebel positions just a few hundred metres from Turkish territory, their shockwaves shattering windows. At least one Syrian shell reportedly landed in Ceylanpinar.

Turkish soldiers watched from foxholes and tried to help the refugees, who crossed the border unimpeded except for some who became tangled in barbed wire.