Hundreds of Syrian refugees enter northern Iraq after Turkey offensive

Hundreds of Syrian refugees fleeing Turkey's military offensive that began last week arrived in northern Iraq on Monday night.

Around 193 Syrians crossed into the Kurdish regional government of Iraq, officials said, although it is not clear if they were fleeing Turkish or Syrian regime forces.

The UN refugee agency said its partners and local authorities had helped transport the refugees to Domiz camp in Dohuk where they were provided shelter, water and medical attention.

Read more: Syria's north is up for grabs as Turkey offensive begins

Many of the refugees fled their homes in the Kobani area and had walked for three or four days to reach safety.

An estimated 2,000 people who have fled the latest fighting in north-east Syria are currently close to the Syria-Iraq border, according to UNHCR.

The Syrian regime on Monday was pushing into key towns in eastern Syria after an absence of seven years, following a deal with the area's Kurdish-led administration, itself prompted by a Turkish invasion last week.

The United Nations says around 160,000 civilians have been displaced in the Turkish military offensive in the north-eastern Syria.



Agencies contributed to this report.