Thousands of Syrians cross over to Iraq: UNHCR

, Aug 20: Despite thousands of Syrians' presence in Iraq, over 21,000 more people have streamed into this country over the past few days in a sudden influx since the Syrian conflict began two years ago, the UN refugee agency said Monday.

UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) said it is witnessing a major exodus from Syria since Thursday into Iraq at the Peshkhabour bridge over the Tigris river, Xinhua reported.

The latest influx would be added to over 154,000 Syrian refugees who are already in the country, UNHCR said, adding that many of the fleeing refugees said that were fleeing fighting between armed groups, and they also talked about the scarcity of water, food and electricity.

Most of the refugees fled areas in northern Syria including Aleppo, Hassake and Qamishly.

Iraq is already facing problems with the increasing numbers of its own displaced people, as the UN mission in Iraq warned earlier in the day that 1.1 million Iraqis, internally displaced in the country, are facing tough future as the country is witnessing conflicts and political strife.

IANS