US warns Americans in Greece to avoid Turkish border

ANKARA

The U.S. Embassy in Greece warned Americans in Greece to avoid Turkish-border areas Wednesday.

The embassy also said it “received reports of violence against U.S. citizens attempting to travel in Lesvos.”

The embassy said some violent clashes occurred and will continue to happen on Lesvos island and the land border Evros.

Americans are urged to depart areas they feel unsafe, keep a low profile and avoid crowded areas.

More than 130,000 refugees have crossed to Europe after Turkey opened its borders, accusing the EU of not fulfilling promises it made as part of a 2015 agreement reached on the refugee crisis.

Greek reaction to refugees and asylum seekers has been harsh, with many battered, tear-gassed and at least two killed by Greek security forces.

Turkey currently hosts nearly four million Syrian refugees, making it the world's top refugee-hosting country.