Greece on "maximum" alert to the influx of thousands of migrants on its doorstep

Greece was placed on "maximum" alert Sunday to protect its borders in the face of the influx of thousands of migrants at the gates of the country, which is causing concern and anger on the islands and in border localities. "Our national security council has decided to raise the level of border protection to its maximum," said Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis after a crisis meeting.

Greece faces an "asymmetric threat to the security of our country" after Turkey's decision to open its doors to the European Union.

The Greek authorities have decided to further strengthen their patrols at the sea and land borders in the northeast of the country. All new asylum requests will also be suspended for those entering the country illegally.

In the Aegean Sea, at least 500 migrants docked Sunday on board a dozen boats at different points on the island of Lesvos. After the arrival of dozens of them on the beach of Skala Sykamineas, 150 inhabitants of the island gathered around a reception center for migrants located nearby, before setting it on fire.

Even though the center, formerly managed by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), had been closed at the end of January, they feared it would open again. It was partially burned, and around 70 asylum seekers were still on the beach, without blankets, in the early evening.