Turkish Coast Guard rescues 60 migrants off Izmir, apprehends 55

By Gizem Nisa Cebi

ISTANBUL (AA) – Turkish authorities conducted coordinated operations across multiple regions of the country Thursday, resulting in many rescues and apprehensions of irregular migrants in a single day.

A total of 173 irregular migrants were accounted for across coastal and inland areas of Türkiye.

The Turkish Coast Guard rescued 60 irregular migrants from two drifting boats off the coast of Izmir that were pushed into Turkish territorial waters by Greek elements and apprehended an additional 55 individuals.

In Edirne, 21 irregular migrants were apprehended by the Provincial Gendarmerie Command.

The Coast Guard Northern Aegean Group Command detained 41 irregular migrants off the coast of Canakkale.

In Tekirdag, the Provincial Gendarmerie Command captured 51 irregular migrants.

Following standard procedures, all of the apprehended migrants have been transferred to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management for further processing.

The operations, which saw swift responses and effective coordination between different agencies, highlight Türkiye’s proactive approach to safeguarding its borders and managing irregular migration for the well-being of both its citizens and migrants.