Syrian refugees poured into Turkey on Sunday to escape the battle between Kurds and ISIL for the Syrian town of Tal Abyad, as the Turkish authorities reopened the border after days of closure.
-
-
Turkey had for several days been blocking the Syrians from entering Turkey. Bulent Kilic/AFP Photo -
It said it would only allow them into the country in the event of a humanitarian tragedy. Bulent Kilic/AFP Photo -
Officials in Akcakale finally received permission from Ankara on Sunday to allow the refugees into Turkey. Bulent Kilic/AFP Photo -
The decision came as Kurdish forces advanced on the ISIL-controlled town on Tal Abyad. Bulent Kilic/AFP Photo -
Before the border opened, there were chaotic scenes of refugees crossing the border illegally through holes in fences, prompting rapid intervention from the Turkish army. Bulent Kilic/AFP Photo -
Some squeezed under the mesh-wire barrier. Bulent Kilic/AFP Photo -
others managed to climb over, throwing their bags over the fence. Bulent Kilic/AFP Photo -
Fears have been building in the area for days, as the Kurdish YPG militia and its allies advanced from east and west on the town of about 15,000. Lefteris Pitarakis/AP Photo -
Many could be heard asking in Arabic for help, and holding up empty bottles, pleading for water in scorching early summer temperatures. EPA
Desperation at the Turkish border as Syrian families flee ISIL - in pictures
Most popular today
