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Frontex to Assist Bulgaria in Cutting Flow of Undocumented Migrants

© AP Photo / Valentina PetrovaRefugee camp in Bulgaria. File photo
Refugee camp in Bulgaria. File photo - Sputnik International
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Frontex will deploy border surveillance officers, patrol cars, thermo-vision vans and dog teams to the land border between Bulgaria and Turkey, according to Frontex press service.

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MOSCOW (Sputnik) — EU border agency Frontex intends to significantly enhance its activity in Bulgaria to curb migrant flow of undocumented migrants to this country, Frontex press service said Friday.

On July 22, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov said hat the country was preparing for the increase in the numbers of migrants crossing the southern border of the country. The statement came amid a failed coup attempt in neighboring Turkey, following which over 10,000 members of the Turkish military have been arrested.

In late July, Borisov said he had asked Frontex to provide equipment, ships and helicopters to curb the illegal flow of migrants to Bulgaria and enhance border control on the southern border.

"Frontex is committed to support Bulgaria. In the coming weeks, Frontex will deploy border surveillance officers, patrol cars, thermo-vision vans and dog teams to the land border with Turkey. At the same time border surveillance will also be reinforced at the Bulgarian-Serbian border," Berndt Koerner, the Frontex deputy executive director, said as quoted by the press service.

A refugee girl covered with a blanket and rescued at open sea prepares to disembark a Frontex patrol vessel at the port of Mytilene on the Lesbos island, Greece March 22, 2016. - Sputnik International
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According to the press service, Frontex will also strengthen its presence at the border crossing points to help the Bulgarian authorities detect persons hidden in cars, buses and trains.

According to media reports, about 150 illegal migrants are being detained on the Bulgaria-Turkey border every day.

Europe is struggling to find a solution to a massive refugee crisis as hundreds of thousands of refugees flee war and poverty in conflict-torn countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

In May, Sofia approved the allocation of some $3.6 million for the construction of an anti-migrant fence on the Bulgarian-Turkish border in response to the growing number of migrants reaching Bulgaria.

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