BEIRUT - Lebanon's Minister of Social Affairs Wael Abou Faour said that 8,500 Syrians fled to Lebanon on Thursday, particularly from the Syrian capital of Damascus and its neighborhoods, the Central News Agency reported.

The number of Syrian refugees flocking to Lebanon increased in light of Wednesday's bombing in Damascus that claimed the lives of three top security officials.

"There is a very clear cabinet decision in this regard to help the displaced, particularly amidst fears that the number might increase," Abou Faour said.

"The ministry of social affairs issued necessary instructions, and its teams are already in the border region along with teams from the Higher Refugees Commission and various NGOs that are helping in this matter," the Lebanese minister added.

The minister stressed that Prime Minister Najib Mikati has given instructions to the higher relief committee to carry out its work.