Al Jazeera: Syria assault in Deraa intensifies as thousands continue to flee
At least 45,000 people have fled intensified fighting in the southern Deraa province towards Jordan, UN says.
Forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad are intensifying their offensive over key rebel-held towns in the southern province of Deraa, as thousands of people continue to flee the area, witnesses tell Al Jazeera.
Clashes broke out on Tuesday between pro-government forces, which have amassed on the outskirts of the town of Basr al-Harir, as fighting between the two sides escalated.
"At least 200 air strikes and 150 barrel bombs targeted Basr al-Harir this morning as government forces moved in on the village," said Jihad Hamza, a pro-opposition activist in Deraa.
"Rebel fighters are organising themselves to push back the assault," he added.
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