The number of refugees fleeing the violent uprising against the government of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria has risen beyond 200,000, the United Nations has said.

Even as thousands continue to flee the country, mainly to Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, government forces on Friday continued their assault on armed rebel positions across the country.

The UN refugee agency said on Friday that the flow of refugees fleeing the fighting had jumped past 202,500.

"The flow (of refugees) is increasing, which is really worrying the Turkish authorities," said Turton, adding that the reason behind this increase is likely the up tick in the aerial bombardments carried out by the Syrian army.

"Many of these families are coming up from towns that have been bombed, moving up to the next town north, towards Turkey, hoping to be able to set up some sort of safe haven there - stay with families or friends. But tjhey're being bombed there and being pushed up further and further, and their numbers are just increasing as they get closer to Turkey."

Lebanon, meanwhile, has been rattled by new fighting in the tense northern part of the country, with many painting the conflict there in terms of pro- and anti-Assad factions.