“Between July 19 and May 25, 564 irregular migrants were rescued and 4 suspected organizers were apprehended in 22 cases,” the statement said.

They were rescued off the coast of western Turkey in the Aegean Sea.

Historically, Turkey has been a country of origin, transit, and destination for migrants and was a crossroads between Europe and Asia.

Recent regional events have contributed to Turkey increasingly becoming a major destination and transit country for those fleeing conflict, poverty, and disasters.

Turkey hosts one of the largest migrant and refugee populations in the world. 

According to the official reports, 113,865 irregular migrants held across the country in 2020. (ILKHA)