Thousands of Syrians flee Aleppo assault on Turkish border

World Today

The Aleppo siege is creating a humanitarian crisis on Turkey’s doorstep.

CCTV’s Michal Bardavid reports from Kilis, on the Turkish-Syrian border.
Follow Michal Bardavid on Twitter @michalbardavid

There is an awkward silence on the Turkish side of the Kilis border with Syria.

Turkish police, international journalists and some Syrian civilians pace about. From their vantage point of relative safety, they can hear the explosions coming from the direction of Aleppo, a Syrian government offensive, backed by Russian airstrikes.

Across the border, Syrian refugees wait at the gate, but the Turkish government has yet to open it.

The unexpected wave of refugees has put great stress on Turkey. Authorities are distributing blankets and food and a temporary makeshift camp is reportedly being set up.

Russia has accused Turkey of preparing to invade Syria, with ground troops and military equipment massed on the border. Turkey strongly denies this.

Meanwhile, witnesses say Russian airstrikes are getting closer to the border, although it’s not clear when or if the Turkish government will open a crossing.


Christine Bragale of Mercy Corps on getting aid to Aleppo

CCTV Americas’s Mike Walter interviewed Christine Bragale, director of media relations at the nonprofit Mercy Corps about how humanitarian agencies deliver aid to this war-torn region.