KEY DEVELOPMENTS
Tensions have increased along the Syria–Turkey border after artillery fire from Syrian Arab Republic Government (SARG) forces killed five Turkish civilians and wounded several others in Akcakale, Turkey, on October 3. Mortar and artillery exchanges between SARG and Government of Turkey (GoT) forces continued in the days that followed, according to international media sources. The border region currently hosts thousands of displaced people who have fled from Syria’s conflict areas. Reports indicate that an estimated 16,000 Syrians waited to cross the border into Turkey’s Kilis and Hatay provinces, as of October 6. Many are waiting to cross into Turkey, while others are seeking assistance at GoT humanitarian assistance distribution points on the border and returning to Syria. In addition, more than 100,000 people were residing in displacement camps on the Turkey side of the border as of October 9, according to the GoT.
The number of people displaced from Syria to Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey has more than tripled in recent months, according to the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). More than 300,000 people were registered or awaiting registration in early October, compared to 100,000 in June. Humanitarian organizations are scaling-up relief efforts to meet increased needs among displaced populations and the local communities hosting them, as both groups have exhausted significant resources due to the Syria crisis. In addition, the need to prepare for the upcoming winter season has also led to an expansion of humanitarian assistance. The. U.N. estimates that up to 710,000 people could be displaced from Syria to neighboring countries by the end of 2012.
The U.S. Government (USG) continues to address the needs of conflict-affected people in Syria and neighboring countries, contributing more than $132 million in humanitarian funding to relief organizations in FY 2012. USG humanitarian assistance includes the provision of emergency medical care, food, and relief items, as well as humanitarian coordination and logistics support to relief agencies. The USG also supports nutrition, protection, shelter, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) activities.