Turkish authorities apprehend 113 irregular migrants in Canakkale, Kirklareli

Coast Guard teams intercept irregular migrants in a rubber boat off Bozcaada, Canakkale. (AA Photo)

Turkish authorities apprehended a total of 113 irregular migrants (45 near Canakkale’s Bozcaada district and 68 in Kirklareli) as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal entry into the country.

The Coast Guard intercepted the first group off the coast of Bozcaada, while Jandarma teams in Kirklareli caught others who had entered Türkiye through unofficial routes.

Why it matters

Türkiye faces ongoing pressures from irregular migration, as it serves as a transit and a destination for people fleeing conflict or economic hardship. These recent interceptions highlight the authorities’ continued crackdown on unauthorized crossings, aiming to manage flows following national and international regulations.

Coast Guard teams intercept 45 irregular migrants in a rubber boat off Bozcaada, Canakkale. Migrants are brought ashore and handed over to the Ayvacik Migrant Reception and Transfer Center after processing (AA Photo)

Details

Bozcaada operation:
- A Coast Guard TCSG-16 boat team spotted a rubber dinghy carrying 45 irregular migrants off Bozcaada.
- All were taken ashore and transferred to the Ayvacik Migrant Pre-Admission and Referral Center.
Kirklareli arrests:
- Jandarma units apprehended 68 individuals over a weeklong operation after determining they had entered Türkiye illegally.
- The group was handed over to the Pehlivankoy Removal Center for further processing.

What to watch

As Türkiye continues to ramp up security measures in both its border and coastal regions, expect more frequent operations targeting irregular migration and closer cooperation with international entities to effectively address these cross-border movements.

December 31, 2024 10:58 AM GMT+03:00