More than 10000 Iraqis return from Syria

The number of Iraqis returning from Syria late Thursday through al-Waleed border crossing totaled 663 people, while only 6 people entered through al-Qaim crossing raising the total number to more than 10,000 Iraqis since July 12 until now, the Iraqi Red Crescent Society said. The Society has provided the necessary aid to the returnees including water, food, and relief supplies, said Red Crescent spokesman Mohammed al-Khazai pointing out that 2,039 Syrian refugees have arrived in Iraq since the opening of al-Qaim crossing until now. The Iraqi Red Crescent set up camps for 9,000 refugees equipped with water and electricity. Additionally, it allocated ambulance squads and distributed 400 rations of food, he added. The number of Iraqis returning after the Rabia crossing opened in Nineveh province is expected to increase, al-Khazai forecasted, adding that the Society is ready to receive the groups arriving within hours, and camps have been set up to accommodate more than 600 people.