These individuals were traveling in rubber boats near the coastal areas of Izmir and Balıkesir in western Türkiye. After their rescue, the migrants were safely taken to the provincial migration office to receive further assistance.

Türkiye has a longstanding role in migration as a country of origin, transit, and destination due to its advantageous location between Europe and Asia. Recent events in the region have led to an increase in the number of migrants seeking refuge in Türkiye, highlighting the challenges faced by the country.

Currently, Türkiye is providing shelter to around 4 million refugees and asylum-seekers, with over 3.7 million Syrians under temporary protection. This influx of migrants has strained resources and infrastructure, requiring significant efforts from the government and various organizations to address their needs effectively.

The Turkish coast guard's commitment to maritime security and preventing irregular migration deserves recognition. In 2022, they intercepted a significant number of irregular migrants, reaching 285,027, compared to 162,000 in the previous year.

These proactive measures by the coast guard demonstrate Türkiye's dedication to border control and the well-being of migrants, even in the face of mounting challenges. (ILKHA)