Incident at Greek-Turkish Border: Conflicting Accounts Emerge

Edirne, Turkey - October 9, 2024 - An incident at the Greek-Turkish border in Evros has left a Greek citizen hospitalized with a gunshot wound and sparked conflicting narratives from Turkish and Greek authorities.

According to a statement released by the Edirne Governorate, a Greek driver collided with a motorcycle driven by a Turkish citizen in the border's "dead zone" after leaving the Kipi Customs checkpoint. The statement alleges the driver then sped off, crashing into barriers and a foreign-registered truck at a truck inspection point.

Turkish authorities claim the driver exited his vehicle brandishing a sharp object, later identified by a police source as an axe, and advanced threateningly toward police officers. They assert that officers first fired two warning shots before shooting the driver in the right leg to subdue him.

The Greek driver, who reportedly has a history of mental health issues, was apprehended and hospitalized. His condition is described as not life-threatening.

The Greek Consulate in Edirne is handling the case, and the Greek consul has been summoned to the Edirne Governorate for further information. Turkish authorities state they have also notified the Joint Contact Centre for Greek-Turkish border cooperation about the incident.

Greek authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident or the Turkish account of the events.

This developing story highlights the ongoing tensions at the Greek-Turkish border. Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation continues.