The migrants had been pushed back into Turkish territorial waters by Greek authorities.
Coast Guard Command teams responded to distress calls and located the migrants in various vessels, including rubber boats. They safely brought all 95 individuals ashore and provided them with necessary medical assistance.
Following standard procedures, the rescued migrants were then transferred to the Izmir Provincial Directorate of Migration Management for further processing.
This incident adds to the growing number of reports alleging that Greek border forces are engaging in the practice of pushbacks, forcing asylum seekers back into Turkish waters without proper assessment of their individual circumstances. Turkey strongly condemns these pushbacks, citing their violation of international law and humanitarian principles.
Despite the ongoing tensions, the Turkish Coast Guard remains committed to upholding its humanitarian obligations. They regularly conduct search and rescue operations in the Aegean Sea, saving countless lives from perilous journeys.
This latest rescue operation highlights the vital role played by the Turkish Coast Guard in ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals attempting to cross the Aegean Sea in search of a better life. (ILKHA)