HATAY
The Hashar family told AA correspondents of their arduous escape in rainy weather and muddy terrain from Syria's Idlib to Turkey.
The family, which had been struggling to survive under the Syrian regimes’ bombardments, was forced to flee their homeland after their father – Mohammed Hashar – was killed two months ago in a bomb attack by forces loyal to President Bashar Assad.
The Hashar family faced a grueling path, during which their 50-year old mother had to walk the muddy terrain sockless.
The family’s 15-year old daughter had nothing but a bag in which to carry her hopes and childhood.
Hasan, the 26-year old son, carried the burden of protecting his mother and sister during their perilous journey.
The siblings would at times wait for their elderly mother to catch up, and Hasan would strive to boost his sister’s morale.
Upon approaching Turkey’s border, the family tried to clean themselves up in a puddle.
Like the Hashar family, 2.5 million Syrians have sought refuge in neighboring countries since the conflict erupted in March 2011, while 3.5 million others remain displaced within the war-torn country.
The civil war has claimed over 140,000 lives to date.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
