Türkiye rescues 52 irregular migrants, detains 89 others

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish coast guard units on Thursday rounded up 89 irregular migrants and rescued 52 others who were stranded in the Aegean.

Acting on a tip off, the teams reached two rubber boats off the coast of Urla and Cesme, according to a statement on the Turkish Coast Guard Command's website. A total of 55 migrants were detained, including 16 children.

In a separate mission, 34 irregular migrants, including 15 children, were found in a boat off the coast of Seferihisar. Two people suspected of human smuggling were arrested.

Also, 52 migrants, including 17 children, who were pushed back into Turkish territorial waters by Greek authorities were rescued. They were sent to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management for further procedures.