These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges faced by migrants attempting to cross the perilous waters of the Aegean Sea.

The operations were initiated in response to intelligence indicating the presence of a group of irregular migrants in life rafts adrift off the coasts of Balıkesir and İzmir. Swiftly, Coast Guard vessels were dispatched to the region to provide assistance.

In total, 29 individuals who had been forcibly returned to Turkish territorial waters by Greek elements were safely brought ashore. It remains a matter of concern that irregular migrants continue to face perilous conditions while attempting to cross the Aegean.

In addition to these operations, the Turkish Coast Guard also intercepted and detained another 90 irregular migrants in separate incidents off the coasts of Çanakkale, İzmir, and Muğla.

The migrants will undergo necessary procedures and are expected to be transferred to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.

The relentless efforts of the Turkish Coast Guard serve as a testament to the challenges posed by irregular migration in the region. The pushbacks by Greek forces have long been a point of contention between the neighboring countries.

As the situation unfolds, authorities will continue to closely monitor and respond to incidents related to irregular migration in the Aegean Sea. (ILKHA)