Turkish Coast Guard: 81 irregular migrants rescued off western Turkey

The boats carrying 81 irregular migrants were pushed back to Turkish territorial waters by Greek Coast Guard forces, according to the statement.

They were rescued off the coast of the Foça district of Izmir province, the statement said.

Turkey has traditionally been a major transit port for irregular immigrants to enter the European countries.

According to the official reports, 454,662 irregular migrants held across the country in 2019. (ILKHA)