04 Mar 2020 | 01:52 PM UTC
Greece: Heightened security presence near the border with Turkey as of February 28 /update 1
Several security incidents reported near the border with Turkey since February 28; heightened security presence expected over the coming days and weeks
Event
Several security incidents have occurred along the Greek-Turkish border since Friday, February 28, after Turkey announced that it will no longer prevent refugees from entering Europe. On the morning (local time) of Wednesday, March 4, police forces fired tear gas at migrants that attempted to cross the border, notably near Kastanies (Eastern Macedonia and Thrace region), one of the main border crossings. Around 10,000 migrants have tried to cross the border since the Turkey's announcement on Friday. On Tuesday, March 3, the EU stated that it will provide financial assets to Greece in order to manage the crisis while it also asked Turkey to fulfill its 2016 commitment to keep migrants on its soil. Athens has also reinforced its borders with military patrols amid the confrontation.
A heightened security presence is to be expected near the Greek-Turkish border over the coming days and weeks.
Advice
Individuals near the Greek-Turkish border are advised to monitor the situation, avoid the affected areas, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
