Ivan Demerdzhiev, Interior Minister of Bulgaria, said, “By adding more Border Police to the patrols, the Ministry of Defense has an active role in border security. The Border Police manage the entire process”.
He also inspected the newly built fence along with the Turkish border. Dimitar Stoyanov, the defence minister, also accompanied him.
After inspecting the fence, he added, ” We discussed and took action to fix the local roads, which is crucial since it allows the teams to move around and work. Additionally, we developed relations with the Turkish side and supplied new security tools, including drones. The deputy MFA minister will meet with the directors of various directorates. We expect the Turkish side to pay attention to the migrant pressure from their side, as a large number of migrants increases the pressure on their border police”.
Stoyanov explained that crossing the border is accessible in some places, and the migrants know that. They always get passed through those places. Most frequently, they set up ladders on the fence of the Turkish border and pass through in a few minutes. The border police have planned some activities to stop illegal passing and are implementing them.
He added, ” we gathered information from both SANS and our Internal Security as well as from all other services as there are some rumours of the involvement of police officers. Internal checks are being conducted, and strict actions will be taken in upcoming days”.
During the working visit, the Ministers of Internal Affairs and Defense looked through a portion of the security installation at the Bulgarian-Turkish border. Minister Dimitar Stoyanov also had conversations with some patrolling border soldiers and police officers while inspecting the border.
From August 27, 2022, the Bulgarian army will gradually increase the number of military personnel and vehicles. They use it to protect the state boundary. These vehicles will have improved cross-country capabilities. Military soldiers and DG Border Police officers patrol together.