Iraqi refugees return from abroad

BAGHDAD, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- The Iraqi Red Crescent has released preliminary reports stating that at least 25,000 Iraqi refugees have returned from Syria since September.

Although, the figure represents just a fraction of the estimated 1.5 million Iraqis who fled the country in recent years, the New York Times reported Monday.

The agency said the recent widespread drop in violence in Iraq, lack of money and recent visa restrictions have forced people back into the country.

Most of the refugees reportedly came back to Baghdad, where many found their former homes overrun by squatters and had to seek sanctuary elsewhere, upping the number of internally displaced citizens.

The United States has also warned Iraq's government is not prepared to handle issues surrounding the returning refugees, including securing shelter, food and aid.