According to the statement, Greek Coast Guard forces pushed the boat carrying 26 Afghan and 2 Iranian irregular migrants, including 4 children and 2 women, back to Turkey. They were rescued off the coast of Balıkesir province.

Turkey has traditionally been a major transit port for irregular immigrants to enter the European countries.

According to the official reports, 454,662 irregular migrants held across the country in 2019. (ILKHA)