Swiss May Post Tanks at Border To Counter Refugee Influx

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In a matter of just hours, Europe's migrant crisis has escalated following the unexpected announcement Wednesday night by Austria's Defense Minister Hans Peter Doskozil that his country is prepared to close its border if Italy does not get its migrant problem under control.

After Italy sharply criticized the Austrian plan, Switzerland has declared it is considering posting tanks to secure its own border with Italy.

"We expect a significant increase in the number of refugees this summer. If Austria now closes off the Brenner Pass, Switzerland will become the only gateway to Northern Europe. Before that, we have to protect ourselves," said Norman Gobbi, the security director of the Swiss Canton of Ticino.

As other migrant routes become more restricted or close altogether, Italy is becoming increasingly the path of choice for migrants coming both from the south and from the east.

According to Gobbi, in the past week 169 refugees have crossed the border between Italy and Switzerland illegally.

"The refugees mainly take routes outside of the official border crossings. We must prepare ourselves for a possible migrant onslaught," said the security director.

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