Greece toughens border policing over Syria war

ATHENS - The Associated Press

Syrian refugees walk out of the refugee camp in Kilis, Turkey, after clashes with police on July 22. AFP photo

A Greek government minister says the country is quadrupling its number of guards at its border with Turkey, in part because of a potential influx of Syrian refugees.

Greece is the busiest entry point for illegal immigrants trying to reach the European Union. Turkey, meanwhile, is hosting thousands of Syrians already fleeing their country's civil war.

Greek Public Order Minister Nikos Dendias said Monday that 1,800 additional officers had been ordered to the border with Turkey.

He also says 26 floating barriers will be placed along the Evros River that divides the two countries.

Greece currently has around 600 border guards in the area, according the Panhellenic Association of Border Guard Officers.