UN: Number of Syrian civilians fleeing Daraa fighting exceeds 270,000
The United Nations announced on Monday that the number of people forced to flee their homes following operations by forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad's government in southern Syria has increased to 270,000.
According to Reuters, Mohammed Hawari, spokesman for the UN refugee agency's office in Jordan, told the news agency, "The latest updates show that the number of refugees has exceeded 270,000."
Syrian government forces, with air support from the Russian army, have launched a massive operation in eastern Daraa province to regain control of those areas from rebels opposed to Damascus.
The United Nations said last week that about 160,000 people in southern Syria have been displaced by the operation and have sought refuge in areas near the borders with Jordan and Israel.
This international body has previously warned of another humanitarian disaster, like the one that previously occurred in Eastern Ghouta.
Jordan and Israel have said they will not allow Syrian refugees to cross the border.
Source: Voice of America
