A Greek border patrol agent, 56, was allegedly injured while trying to prevent a group of migrants from crossing into Greece from Turkey.
Initial reports claim shots were fired from the Turkish side of the border during an intense confrontation near the town of Soufli.
A statement from the local police force read: “Today, Saturday, July 20, 2024, at around 6:20 p.m. in a remote area of Soufli Evros, Greek border guards who were patrolling the area and during an operation to prevent the illegal entry of immigrants from Turkey into our country, were shot by unknown persons located on the Turkish side.
“A Greek border guard was injured by the shots and was immediately taken to Didymoteicho hospital for first aid.
“The whole incident is being investigated by the competent Greek authorities.”
According to local reports, the border guard suffered a penetrating gunshot wound to the left side of the abdomen.
He underwent an exploratory laparotomy and was then taken to the intensive care unit.
The whole incident is being investigated by the competent Greek authorities.
Greece has long been a hotspot for the arrivals of migrants from northern and central Africa, with data from UNHRC showing a 159% increase in arrivals by both land and sea between 2022 and 2023.
Athens and Ankara last year reached an agreement to secure the reduction of border crossings after Turkey had previously backtracked on a four-year deal to hold back undocumented refugees and migrants.