An aid agency says more than 5,000 Syrian refugees fleeing have now crossed into northern Iraq and their numbers are growing. Iraq's Kurdish autonomous region is seeking help in
coping with them.

The International Organisation for Migration said on Tuesday that most refugees are ethnic Kurdish Sunni Muslims, some paying around $300 to be smuggled into Iraq by car or by foot.

It said a refugee camp has grown to 3,500 in the past month and local officials have sought help with sanitation and supplies. About 800 more are staying in mosques.

Europe's humanitarian aid commissioner has said there are 95,000 refugees, mostly in Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan.