According to the statement, Greek Coast Guard forces pushed the boats carrying 66 irregular migrants back to Turkish territorial waters.

57 irregular migrants were rescued off the coast of the Marmaris district of Muğla province and 9 others were rescued off the coast of the Kaş district of Antalya 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)