Greek authorities begin evacuation of Idomeni refugee camp

Migrants wait in the line for food distribution at the camp in Idomeni, Greece, Monday, May 23, 2016. Greek authorities say they will start a gradual evacuation of the country's main informal camp for refugees and other migrants within the next few days. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic) (The Associated Press)

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A group of migrants moves through the camp in Idomeni, Greece, Monday, May 23, 2016. Thousands of stranded refugees and migrants have camped in Idomeni for months after the border was closed. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic) (The Associated Press)

Migrants wait for the distribution of aid at the camp in Idomeni, Greece, Monday, May 23, 2016. Thousands of stranded refugees and migrants have camped in Idomeni for months after the border was closed. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic) (The Associated Press)

IDOMENI, Greece – Greek authorities have begun an operation to gradually evacuate the country's largest informal refugee camp of Idomeni.

It is located on the Greek-Macedonian border, where more than an estimated 8,400 people have been living for months.

The operation began at dawn Tuesday, and journalists were barred from the area. Government and police officials have said the refugees and migrants in Idomeni will be moved gradually to newly completed, organized camps.

The government's spokesman for the refugee crisis, Giorgos Kyritsis, has said police will not use force.

About 20 riot police units, comprising a total of about 400 police, were in Idomeni for the operation.