According to a statement from the Turkish Coast Guard Command, the boats carrying the 32 irregular migrants were pushed back to Turkish territorial waters by Greek Coast Guard forces.
Turkish authorities have intensified their patrols in the Aegean Sea in response to the growing number of irregular migrants attempting to cross from Türkiye into Greece. As a result of their diligent efforts, the Turkish Coast Guard has managed to save thousands of irregular migrants from perilous situations while also apprehending thousands more.
The Turkish government has consistently criticized Greece's controversial practice of forcibly pushing back irregular migrants into Turkish waters. It deems this practice as both illegal and endangering the lives of the migrants.
Following their rescue, the migrants were safely transported to provincial migration offices for further processing. These facilities will undertake the necessary procedures to assess their circumstances and determine the appropriate course of action.
The ongoing challenges posed by irregular migration in the region highlight the importance of continued cooperation and dialogue between Türkiye and Greece to address the issue effectively and ensure the safety and well-being of those involved. (ILKHA)