The boat carrying 25 irregular migrants were pushed back to Turkish territorial waters by Greek Coast Guard forces, according to the statement.

“It was reported that there was a group of irregular migrants on Yellice Island of Balıkesir’s Ayvalık district. Their boat was pushed back to Turkish territorial waters by Greek assets. They were drifted at sea and later landed on Yellice Island. 25 irregular migrants on the island were rescued by CG boat,” the statement said.

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)