Turkish Coast Guard rescues 65 irregular migrants off coast of southwestern Turkey
65 irregular migrants were rescued from three boats off the coast of Turkey’s western Muğla and Aydın provinces, Turkish Coast Guard Command said in a statement on Thursday.
According to the statement, the boats carrying 65 irregular migrants were pushed back to Turkish territorial waters by Greek Coast Guard forces.
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)