(VOVworld) - The EU Border Agency (Frontex) deployed hundreds of border guards to Greek islands to try to control the continuing influx of migrants.

The massive movement of people this year in Europe, most of them seeking refuge from conflict, has exposed deep divisions among EU leaders on how to deal with the influx (Photo: AFP)

The deployment began on Monday in response to a request from the Greek government. 293 servicemen and 15 ships were sent to Greece to guard its external border in the Aegean Sea. The force will help in identifying and fingerprinting migrants. More vessels, vehicles, and technical equipment will be deployed to support Greek officials in migrant crisis management. According to the International Organization for Migration, around 820,000 of 1 million migrants entered Europe through Greece this year. At least 3,690 migrants have died at the Mediterranean Sea while attempting to reach Europe.