Syrian refugees flee to Iraq

On 9 October Turkey, supported by Syrian non-state armed groups from Olive Branch and Euphrates Shield areas, launched a military operation in northern Syria following the withdrawal of US forces from the towns of Tal Abyad and Ras Al Ain on 6 October. After an initial round of intense airstrikes and artillery bombardment, the Turkish army and associated Syrian armed groups launched a ground offensive in multiple areas along the border.

There are at least 1.65 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in the north east. The current escalation puts the lives of 450,000 people who live within 5 kilometres of the Syria-Turkey border at risk. The military intervention has already displaced more than 200,000 people into other parts of Syria and is pushing Syrians across the border with Iraq. Hundreds of them are reaching the Kurdistan region to seek safety, refuge and assistance.

Syrian refugees are crossing the border and entering the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. They are then hosted by Kurdish authorities in reception centers before being transferred to Bardarash camp in Dohuk governorate where they will receive comprehensive humanitarian assistance. We expect an increasing number of refugees in the next weeks and months in Iraq – estimated up to 50,000 until January.

NRC and the rest of the humanitarian community are supporting refugees with emergency response. NRC will specifically distribute water at the border as well as non-food items, health and hygiene kits in camps. The education team is also in the camp assessing education needs to start emergency education activities soon.