Syrian Refugees Over 200,000

Government forces intensifying attacks in Damascus

The United Nations refugee agency says that more than 200,000 Syrian refugees have fled to neighbouring countries as the conflict has intensified.

The UNHCR said the figure was already more than its projection of 185,000 for the end of this year.

About 30,000 arrived in Turkey, Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan in the past week.

Meanwhile, opposition activists say the Syrian army has resumed shelling the south-western Damascus suburb of Darayya, killing about 20 people.

The reported bombardment is part of a government military campaign launched this week to regain control of outlying areas of the capital.