Fleeing Syrians fear pro-Assad gangs

Refugees escaping to neighbouring Lebanon fear harassment by groups loyal to Syrian president.

Syria refugees

The worsening humanitarian crisis in Syria has resulted in thousands of refugees trying to flee the violence into neighbouring countries.

In Lebanon, the army has been ordered to tighten up the border, as more Syrian families are smuggled across to safety.

But even those who have already fled are not safe from gangs loyal to Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad.

There have been reports of harassment and kidnapping, and people trying to cross into Lebanon now fear pro-regime groups might take them back.

Al Jazeera’s Sue Turton reports from Akkar in northern Lebanon.

Source: Al Jazeera