Turkish officials say around 18,000 Syrian and Iraqi refugees have crossed into Turkey in the past days, after Syrian Kurds took position in the suburbs of Tel Abyad, which is held by the Islamic State.
The town is on the border with Turkey, and has been a strategic asset for militants to smuggle oil and weapons.
Turkish government spokesperson Bulent Arinc (boo-LEHNT AH-rihnch) indicates the ongoing fighting near the border is the main reason so many refugees are crossing into Turkey.
"If it is a matter of life, as you have seen today, Turkey opens its doors, we have taken 18 thousand people, although it is not a desirable. But this is not a sustainable situation. Turkey is the only country opening its doors t
