A significant section of the Moria hotspot on Lesvos went up in flames on Wednesday evening, as groups of Afghan and Pakistani migrants clashed throughout the night.
It is not yet known what sparked the clashes, although tension has been escalating in the hotspot. According to reports Pakistani migrants accuse Afghans of using ‘mafia practices’ to control the hotspot, while Afghans accuse Pakistanis of theft and sexual harassment.
During the clashes tens of migrants and refugees were injured, with the majority bring treated by the medical staff of NGOs. Three of those injured the clashes had to be hospitalized.
The local police force has complained of being stretched thin and exhausted, arguing that it needs additional help to manage the 2,000 people who are currently at the hotspot.
Local residents have expressed serious concerns that the situation is out of control, as many of the migrants and refugees are now free to move as they please without any control. There have been many reports of thefts and break-ins
