Greek border guard shot near northern border with Turkey
Source: InfoMigrants: reliable and verified news for migrants – InfoMigrants
A Greek border guard was hospitalized after being shot by unidentified individuals near Greece’s northern border with Turkey, according to Greek police. They suspect the shooters could have been migrant smugglers.
On Saturday (June 20), a Greek border guard was shot in the abdomen while patrolling the Greek-Turkish border, an area frequented by migrants attempting to enter the European Union, Greek police reported.
The incident occurred shortly after 6pm as four Greek border guards were on duty along the Evros River. Three or four shots were fired from the Turkish side, police said and confirmed that the shots were fired from a pistol.
One of the border guards was hit in the lower abdomen and was taken to a hospital in Didymoteicho, where he underwent surgery. He is in a stable, non-life-threatening condition, police added.
“The incident is being investigated by the relevant Greek authorities,” the statement said.
Police suspect shooter(s) could be migrant smugglers
Greek media reported that police suspect the shooter or shooters might be human traffickers. Officials, who requested anonymity, noted they are not permitted to discuss ongoing investigations.
The patrolling officers had noticed movement on the Turkish side but could not determine the number of individuals due to dense vegetation. No crossing attempts were made as additional border guards arrived at the scene.
Greece, which has numerous disputes with Turkey, has been a gateway to Europe for thousands of migrants crossing the Evros river or the Mediterranean Sea.
Also read: Prison sentences for men accused of detaining migrants against their will in Greece

Increased security along the Evros River
The number of border guards, who are part of a special unit of Greece’s police, has been increased in recent years. In 2023, Greece’s Citizen Protection Ministry decided to hire 400 more border guards to patrol in Evros. Making the announcement, the head of the ministry, Takis Theodorikakos, said that Greece “is not prepared to accept even one irregular migrant.”
Last year, the 37.5 kilometer-long border fence with Turkey was extended by another 35 kilometers. According to The Greek Reporter, the Greek government also collaborated with local fishermen to help patrol the canals, lagoons, and tributaries.
Found on an islet
In June 2024, 138 migrants, including many children, were found by border guards and rescue teams on a small islet on the Greek side of the Evros river. Over 60 percent were minors, mainly from Syria.
Despite a 2016 EU deal requiring Turkey to prevent migrants from crossing into the EU, Turkish authorities allegedly did nothing to stop them. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to nullify the agreement, stating Turkey will not become “Europe’s warehouse for refugees.”
According to official figures, Greek border authorities prevented approximately 256,000 crossings last year, although numerous human rights organizations have accused the Greek government of routinely employing illegal push-back methods. An accusation the Greek government repeatedly denies.
Also read: Dozens of migrants found on Greek border river
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