Turkish Coast Guard Rescues 71 Migrants Pushed Back by Greek Naval Forces

Muğla, The Gulf Observer: The Turkish Coast Guard has successfully rescued 71 irregular migrants who were reportedly pushed back into Turkish territorial waters by Greek naval forces. The operation took place in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Muğla province.

According to a statement from the Coast Guard Command issued on Sunday, teams were dispatched to the area after receiving information about migrants in distress on dinghies. Among the rescued were 11 children, all found in five separate dinghies.

The rescued migrants were safely brought to Datça Pier and subsequently handed over to the Provincial Directorate of Immigration for processing.

Ankara, along with international human rights organizations, has consistently condemned Greece’s practice of pushing back migrants, arguing that it violates humanitarian principles and international law by endangering the lives of vulnerable individuals, including women and children.