Syria's government is calling for the return of thousands of refugees who fled to Turkey to escape violence in a northern town.

Syrian Information Minister Adnan Mahmoud says security, electricity, water and communications have now been restored in Jisr al-Shughour and the area is now safe, AP reports.

Some 8,000 Syrians have sought refuge in camps in neighboring Turkey following a military crackdown that authorities said was to snuff out "armed terrorists" in the region.

Mahmoud said following a Cabinet meeting late Tuesday that the government tasked the Syrian Red Crescent Society with coordinating with Turkish authorities to guarantee the return of refugees.