



The Greek-Turkish border at Kastanies on the Evros river resembled a war zone on Friday morning as the Greek security forces deployed to prevent thousands of migrants storming into the country came under attack by smoke bombs and tear gas.

A Greek Reporter correspondent at Kastanies says that it was an attack apparently coordinated by drones deployed by the Turkish police to help migrants cross the fence along the border.

The reporter adds that during the attack members of the Turkish security forces were seen distributing wire cutters to migrants to cut through the border fence.

Additionally, there are small fires reported on the Turkish side of the border, probably caused by people on Turkish territory.

Turkey announced on Thursday that it is deploying 1,000 special police forces along its border with Greece.

The tension at Evros follows Turkey’s decision to no longer abide by the terms of a 2016 deal with the European Union to halt illegal migration to Europe in return for billions of euros in aid.

Since then, thousands of migrants have rushed to the Turkish border with Greece in hopes of crossing into Europe.

In a related development, the Greek government is finalizing its plans for a new enclosed center in northern Greece, where migrants who have entered the country illegally since March 1 are to be held pending deportation.

Additionally, reports on Wednesday suggested that a second center will also be set up either near Lamia, central Greece, or in the broader Attica area. Sources said the first center will be set up in a disused military facility in Serres.



