Dozens of migrants intercepted, others rescued in Aegean Sea operations

In the waters near Çeşme, Selçuk, and Urla districts of İzmir, Coast Guard teams apprehended 79 irregular migrants, including 23 children. Among them, 35 individuals, including one child, were detained in a rubber boat off the coast of Çeşme, while 44 others, including 22 children, were captured in rubber boats off the coast of Selçuk and Urla.

Upon apprehension, the irregular migrants were transferred to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management to undergo necessary procedures.

Meanwhile, in Kuşadası district, 68 irregular migrants, including 30 children, were rescued by the Turkish Coast Guard. Among them, 22 individuals, including 11 children, were intercepted in a moving rubber boat, while 23 others, including 19 children, were rescued from two life rafts pushed back to Turkish territorial waters by Greek elements. An additional 23 irregular migrants, including 14 children, were apprehended in a separate incident involving a moving rubber boat.

The Coast Guard's swift response ensured the safety of the intercepted migrants, who were subsequently brought ashore for further processing.

The operations underscore Türkiye's ongoing efforts to combat irregular migration and ensure maritime security along its coastline. (ILKHA)