Migrants resort to using fans as tear gas repellent on Greek-Turkish border

·

Greek border units trying to stop crowds of migrants from pushing their way in from Turkey have hit on a new defence against tear gas unleashed on them from the Turkish side of the frontier — enormous fans.

The jeep-mounted turbines were deployed Thursday near the Kastanies crossing in the northeastern Evros border region that’s seen daily clashes between migrants and Greek border forces since late last month.

The violence followed the Turkish government’s announcement that it would no longer stop its vast migrant and refugee population from illegally entering Greece, arguing that it faces a potential new wave of refugees from Syria. That has spurred thousands to try their luck getting into the European Union.

Read More: Greek Community of Melbourne supports Greece’s strict stance on border control

Greece accuses Turkish authorities of helping the attempted violent crossings by firing the volleys of tear gas that are regularly used against Greek border units.

Greece has also repeatedly used tear gas to prevent migrants from destroying sections of the border fence and pushing through.

Greek military officials said the turbines used to disperse the gas are normally employed in parachute training.

Greek Army soldiers patrol next to the security fence at the Greek-Turkish border in the village of Kastanies, Evros region, Tuesday, March 10, 2020. AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos

Athens says more than 45,000 attempted entries have been thwarted since the crisis erupted on Feb. 29, including more than 500 on Thursday — when for a second day migrants threw petrol bombs at Greek border troops and police. Greek units were also attacked with tear gas and responded in kind.

Also Thursday, the European Union offered to pay up to 5,000 migrants in squalid, overcrowded camps on the Greek islands to voluntarily return home. Nearly 42,000 people live in the camps, and the Greek government says it plans to move 10,000 to the mainland to ease overcrowding.

Read More: Five EU countries to take in child migrants stuck in Greece

During a visit to Athens, EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said migrants who sign up would each receive 2,000 euros ($2,240) “of financial and technical support for their departure and towards reintegration in their home countries.”

Johansson also said that seven EU countries so far have pledged to take in more than 1,600 unaccompanied minors trapped in Greece.

“I am confident more pledges could come,” she said.

Sourced by: Associated Press

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Giannis Antetokounmpo in talks to buy the Sydney Kings

NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is in talks to buy a stake in the Sydney Kings — with plans to rename the team the ‘Spartan Kings.’

Paros submerged, Syros pelted by hail as storms sweep the Cyclades

Severe weather swept across several Cycladic islands on Monday, March 31 with Paros and Syros among the hardest hit.

Sydney remembers Cyprus’ fight for freedom ahead of National Day anniversary

Cypriot and Greek Australians gathered in solemn remembrance on Sunday, 30 March, for a memorial service marking Cyprus National Day.

Greek Orthodox Community of SA celebrates 204th year of Greek Independence

The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia commemorated Greek Independence Day with joyous festivities on Sunday, 30 March.

From alleyway to legacy: Coburg’s Kastoria Lane project gains momentum

Merri-bek City Council has greenlit public consultation for the naming of Kastoria Lane, a project set to transform a neglected alleyway.

You May Also Like

Greek student first-in-state in HSC Indonesian Extension

The NSW HSC results were released yesterday and showed a number of Greek students excelled amongst the states highest ranked students.

Israel and Greece officially sign record $1.65 billion defence deal

Israel and Greece have officially signed their biggest ever defence procurement deal, according to the Israeli Ministry of Defence.

Flinders Street driver who killed grandfather Antonios Crocaris loses appeal for an early release

A man who drove into pedestrians in Melbourne, killing an elderly grandfather, has lost an appeal for an early release from jail.