They accuse Greek authorities of deliberately pushing the migrants into Turkish territorial waters, sparking fresh tensions over migration management in the region.

Two rubber boats carrying a total of 159 migrants, including 34 children in one and 23 children in the other, were rescued by Coast Guard teams off the coasts of Karaburun and Foça districts in Izmir.

The Coast Guard statement alleges that both boats were "pushed" into Turkish waters by Greek elements, raising concerns about potential violations of international law and endangering the lives of vulnerable individuals.

Türkiye has a history of accusing Greece of engaging in illegal pushbacks of migrants attempting to cross the Aegean Sea. Greece routinely denies these accusations, highlighting their own efforts in managing migration flows and adhering to international obligations.

The presence of 57 children among the rescued migrants underscores the human cost of this practice. Concerns are mounting about the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals, particularly children, exposed to the dangers of irregular migration and potential pushbacks.

The fate of the rescued migrants remains unclear. They will likely be processed by Turkish authorities and potentially returned to their countries of origin. However, the situation remains complex and fluid, influenced by factors like diplomatic relations, legal procedures, and individual circumstances. (ILKHA)