At close to three million, Syria’s refugee crisis is becoming the world’s largest displacement, a media report said.
“Today, there are close to three million Syrian refugees, and the number of those seeking safe haven is increasing by 100,000 every month,” Xinhua quoted UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric as saying.
If enough humanitarian support is not provided for Syrian refugees by the end of 2014, it could result in dramatic consequences for refugees and the stability of the entire region, including a serious security threat to Lebanon, according to the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).
The warning comes as the refugee agency prepares to present a report on Syrian Regional Response Plan in Geneva, calling on donors to fund a $3.74-billon programme across Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt.
Meanwhile, “for Iraq, the monthly refugee influx from Syria is lower than it was expected”, Dujarric noted.
Aleppo retaken
The Syrian army has recaptured an industrial city in the northern province of Aleppo, a media report said.
The troops recaptured the city late Thursday in the Sheikh Najjar area on the eastern outskirts of Aleppo city after clashes with the militant group, Nusra Front, Xinhua reported.
The army is also advancing into other areas in Sheikh Najjar as rebels withdrew from that part of the city.
According to officials, Syrian forces carried out more than 20 airstrikes against the city to dislodge the rebels.
Aleppo, once called Syria’s economic hub, has been plagued by intense battles between government troops and an array of jihadi groups.
The western part of the city is still under government control, while the rebels have seized the eastern part.