Türkiye rescues nearly 70 irregular migrants pushed back by Greece
Migrants saved by Turkish Coast Guard off coast of Mugla province
MUGLA / AYDIN, Türkiye
The Turkish Coast Guard on Thursday rescued 68 irregular migrants who were pushed back by Greece in defiance of international law.
Responding to an SOS call, local coast guard teams rushed to aid 52 irregular migrants in inflatable rafts and lifeboats off the coast of Mugla’s Marmaris district in the Turkish Aegean.
Additionally, a group of 16 migrants struggling in an inflatable raft off the Kusadasi district were pulled to the shore in Aydin, according to the local Coast Guard Command.
Türkiye has been a key transit point for irregular migrants aiming to cross into Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.
Human rights groups and media outlets have frequently reported on illegal pushbacks and other human rights breaches by Greek authorities.
Ankara and global rights groups have repeatedly condemned Greece’s illegal practice of pushing back irregular migrants, saying it violates humanitarian values and international law by endangering the lives of vulnerable migrants, including women and children.
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