Syrian refugees clash with Jordanian police

Syrian refugees angry over harsh living conditions in their desert tent camp have clashed with Jordanian police.

A police official says about 150 refugees hurled stones at security officers, torched a tent and attacked the offices of a Jordanian charity responsible for the camp and a Moroccan field hospital. Twenty-six policemen were injured in the violence late yesterday.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.

The charity's spokesman, Zayed Hammad, says about 1,000 refugees were involved in the protest.

Syrian refugee Abu Nawras says police fired tear gas to disperse the protest. He says the protesters demanded improved conditions, better food and education for their children.

The Zaatari camp near the Syrian border is home to about 32,000 Syrian refugees.

AP