Two boats carrying 18 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 two boats off the Datça district of Muğla province. They were drifted at sea after their boats had been pushed back to Turkish territorial waters by Greek assets. 18 irregular migrants 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)