SANLIURFA, Turkey
Syrian refugees fleeing airstrikes and clashes in the city of Tal Abyad have expressed gratitude towards Turkey that has received them with open arms.
Over the past two weeks, more than 20,000 Syrian refugees fleeing airstrikes and fighting in the city of Tal Abyad have crossed into Turkey through the southern Akcakale border gate.
The Syrian Democratic Union Party (PYD)’s military wing, known as the People's Protection Units or YPG, has been carrying out operations with the help of U.S.-led coalition airstrikes in the northeastern regions of Tal Abyad and al-Hasakah to push back Daesh militants over the past two weeks.
"I thank all Turkish people, especially President Recep Tayyip Erdogan," said Ali Hasan, who told Anadolu Agency Tuesday that he had to leave his home as PYD forces approached the area.
People in the area ran in panic to the Turkish border, he said.
"There is nothing to do except pray for our country" he added. "Hopefully we will go back to the old days. But now we are in a difficult situation."
Iraqi national Esad Muhammed said he first crossed into Syria before entering Turkey with his family and relatives to escape fromm Daesh attacks.
"We reached Turkey, the friendly country, after a three-day trip with a five-car convoy," Muhammed said. "We are tired of Daesh attacks. There was no safety for my children."
Meanwhile, Halil Abdullah emphasized that Syria has become unlivable in past four years and that there was neither food nor peace in the country.
Abdullah called for all Muslims to act in unison.
"Turkey welcomed us with open arms. I do not know what would we do without Turkey. May God bless Turkey," he said.
A sentiment echoed by another refugee, Ahmet Huseyin, who has been on the road for a week.
"Except for Turkey, no one cared about us. May God bless these people," he said.
Turkey decided to let Syrians into the country after clashes intensified in the eastern and the southern parts of Tal Abyad, according to a statement by the Turkish Prime Ministry Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD).
A total of 20,997 Syrian refugees fleeing clashes in Syria’s town of Tal Abyad have entered Turkey’s Sanliurfa province through the Akcakale border crossing.
The Free Syrian Army and the Syrian-Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) took control of Tal Abyad city which borders Turkey on Monday.
Turkey shares an estimated 900-kilometer border with Syria, with about 13 border crossings. Some on the Syrian side are now under Daesh’s control, including Tal Abyad in the Raqqa province.
1,772,535 registered Syrian refugees were taken in by Turkey to date, according to UNHCR.
