The migrants were traveling in rubber boats off the coast of the western province of Izmir. The rescued migrants were taken to the provincial migration office.

Türkiye has a long history of being a country of origin, transit, and destination for migrants due to its location between Europe and Asia.

Recent regional events have increased the number of migrants seeking refuge in Türkiye.

Currently, the country is home to 4 million refugees and asylum-seekers, including over 3.7 million Syrians under temporary protection.

The Turkish coast guard intercepted 285,027 irregular migrants in 2022, up from 162,000 the previous year. (ILKHA)