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

The rescued migrants, including women and children, were sent to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management after their official procedures were completed.

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)