UN: Islamic State forcing thousands to flee Syria

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N humanitarian chief says tens of thousands of people are fleeing Syria as the Islamic State militant group expands its grip on large parts of the country.

Valerie Amos told the Security Council on Tuesday that more than 160,000 people from northern Aleppo have fled into Turkey in the past two weeks, with more expected.

“Their fear was so great that many people crossed heavily mined fields to seek refuge,” Amos said.

Her monthly briefing on Syria’s humanitarian situation remains bleak, despite the opening of the Qamishli border crossing with Turkey that Amos says will help get aid to another 225,000 people.

Amos says 11 million people still need urgent aid. She welcomes the $1 billion pledged last week during the U.N. General Assembly but says more is needed.

Associated Press