The rescue operation was initiated following information about a group of irregular migrants stranded in life rafts off the coasts of Balıkesir and İzmir. Coast Guard boats were promptly dispatched to the specified regions to address the emergency.
Reports indicate that Greek forces forcefully pushed the 195 irregular migrants into Turkish territorial waters before they were rescued by the Turkish Coast Guard. The migrants were then brought ashore safely.
Simultaneously, the Coast Guard apprehended 21 irregular migrants off the coast of Balıkesir, further highlighting the ongoing challenges and incidents involving irregular migration in the region.
Irregular migration has been a persistent issue in the area, with incidents often involving confrontations between Greek and Turkish authorities.
The latest rescue operation by the Turkish Coast Guard underscores the complexities and humanitarian concerns associated with these migration challenges. (ILKHA)