IZMIR / CANAKKALE Türkiye

The Turkish Coast Guard rescued 81 irregular migrants in the Aegean Sea after Greek authorities pushed them back into Türkiye's territorial waters, according to a statement Friday.

Coast guard units rescued 58 irregular migrants of Afghan nationality from a rubber boat off the coast of Menderes and Cesme districts in Izmir province, while 23 with Afghan nationality were rescued off the Ayvacik district in Canakkale province, said the Coast Guard.

The migrants were transported to the provincial migration department.

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

*Writing by Merve Berker