An international human rights group says Syrian troops have planted landmines along routes used by people fleeing the country's violence and trying to reach neighboring Turkey, AP reported.

The New York-based Human Rights Watch says the mines were planted in the past weeks.

HRW says its report, released on Tuesday, March 13 is based on accounts from witnesses and also Syrian deminers. It cites witnesses as saying the landmines have already caused civilian casualties.

A Syrian official and witnesses said in November that Syria planted landmines along parts of its border with Lebanon. The official at the time said the mines aim to prevent arms smuggling.

Thousands of Syrians have fled to Turkey and Lebanon since the uprising against President Bashar Assad's regime began a year ago.