IZMIR, Türkiye 

The Turkish Coast Guard rescued more than 100 irregular migrants Tuesday after Greek authorities illegally pushed them back into Turkish territorial waters. 

The Coast Guard Command said it rescued 72 migrants in rubber boats off the coasts of Dikili in Izmir province.

They rescued another 31 immigrants in two life rafts, which were pushed back into Turkish territorial waters by Greek forces.

Türkiye and global rights groups have repeatedly condemned Greece’s illegal practice of pushing back irregular migrants. They said it violates humanitarian values and international law by endangering the lives of vulnerable migrants, including women and children.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar