Greek police officer wounded by bullet during anti-immigration operation on border with Türkiye

Jul 21. () –

A Greek police officer has been shot and injured during an operation to prevent a group of migrants from crossing the Evros River on the border with Turkey.

According to a statement from the Greek security forces, the incident occurred at around 6.30pm on Saturday in the town of Soufli and the injured person is a 54-year-old officer who was shot in the abdomen. His life is not in danger, although he has had to undergo surgery.

The head of the Evros River Border Guards Association, Chrysovalantis Yalamas, said the officer was part of a group that was carrying out a routine patrol when the team spotted several migrants crossing the river.

“We have no idea who fired the shot,” Yalamas said in comments reported by the Greek daily Kathimerini.

Police sources have told ERT that the shot could have been fired by a people trafficker who was guiding the group of migrants across the river, although they have added that all lines of investigation remain open.

The Evros is a common crossing point for migrants from Turkey to Greece. From the beginning of the year to the middle of this month, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR, 3,168 people have dared to take this route.