Türkiye rescues 88 migrants from Greek pushbacks
Türkiye rescues 88 irregular migrants pushed back into Turkish waters by Greek forces. (AA Photo)
Türkiye’s coast guard rescued 88 irregular migrants who were reportedly pushed back into Turkish waters by Greek forces, and apprehended 14 others, officials announced on Monday.
The operations, conducted off the Aegean coast on Sunday, involved rescuing 39 migrants – including 19 children – from a rubber dinghy suffering engine failure in Izmir province’s Dikili district. Additionally, 49 migrants, including nine children, were saved in three separate incidents in Ayvacik district, Canakkale province.
14 migrants near Türkiye’s Mugla
In southwestern Mugla province’s Bodrum district, Turkish authorities apprehended 14 migrants and one suspected smuggler in two distinct operations.
Türkiye and international rights organizations have condemned Greece’s practice of pushing back migrants, arguing that it breaches humanitarian values and international law by placing vulnerable individuals – particularly women and children – in jeopardy.
Further complicating the situation, a Turkish Naval Forces Command unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) recorded Greek coast guard units pushing a boat carrying irregular migrants into Turkish waters north of Lesbos (Midilli) before departing the area.
Türkiye remains a crucial transit hub for asylum-seekers en route to Europe, particularly those escaping conflict and persecution.
