Turkish Coast Guard rescues 88 irregular migrants in Aegean Sea

ISTANBUL

Türkiye’s coast guard rescued 88 irregular migrants pushed back into Turkish waters by Greek forces and apprehended 14 others, officials said Monday.

Operations were carried out off the Aegean coast on Sunday.

In western Izmir province’s Dikili district, 39 migrants, including 19 children, were rescued from a rubber dinghy with engine failure.

In Ayvacik district in Canakkale province, 49 migrants, including nine children, were saved in three separate incidents.

Ankara and global rights groups have repeatedly condemned Greece's illegal practice of pushing back migrants, saying it violates humanitarian values and international law by endangering the lives of vulnerable migrants, including women and children.

Additionally, in southwestern Mugla province’s Bodrum district, 14 migrants and one suspected smuggler were apprehended in two separate operations.

Türkiye is a key transit point for asylum seekers aiming to reach Europe, especially those fleeing conflict and persecution.

During a reconnaissance and surveillance mission conducted by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) of the Turkish Naval Forces Command on Monday, drones recorded Greek coast guard units pushing a boat carrying irregular migrants into Turkish waters north of the Greek island of Lesbos (Midilli) before leaving the area.

Türkiye is a major transit point for asylum seekers trying to reach Europe to start a new life, especially those fleeing wars and persecution.