Syrian refugee camp in Turkey
Syrian refugee camp in Turkey Reuters

On Wednesday, Turkey closed its 566-mile long border with Syria to all vehicles and commercial traffic, although it will still be opening for refugees fleeing the violence in Syria, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Turkey had previously cut all diplomatic ties to Syria after the Bashar al-Assad regime shot down a Turkish yet. Tens of thousands of Syrians have fled into Turkey since the start of the 16-month long uprising -- 300 refugees crossed the border on Tuesday night alone -- but Syrian rebels seized two border check-points last week, burning a number of Turkish trucks.

Border check points will remain open at Cilvegozu, Oncupinar and Karkamis, while all others will be shut.