Türkiye Apprehends Hundreds of Irregular Migrants in Western Cities

Ankara, The Gulf Observer: The Turkish Coast Guard Command reported on Sunday that it has apprehended hundreds of irregular migrants across several western cities in Türkiye.

In the province of Canakkale, 24 irregular migrants were rescued after their boat experienced engine failure and was found drifting off the coast of Ayvacik. The migrants were brought ashore and taken to the Ayvacik Deportation Center for processing.

In a separate incident, 122 irregular migrants were detained off the coast of Bodrum in the Mugla province’s Aegean region. Turkish Coast Guard boats were dispatched to the area multiple times after detecting migrants in a sailing vessel and a rubber boat. These migrants were subsequently handed over to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. Additionally, two individuals were detained on suspicion of human trafficking.

Another group of 15 irregular migrants was apprehended off the coast of Ayvacik. These individuals were also taken to the Ayvacik Deportation Center following their rescue.

In the Aegean province of Izmir, Coast Guard teams apprehended 139 irregular migrants, including 49 children, off the coasts of Urla, Cesme, and Dikili districts. Coast Guard teams stopped three rubber boats, capturing 117 migrants, including 45 children, near Urla and Cesme. The Coast Guard Mobile Radar (MORAD-10) detected another group of 22 migrants, including four children, in a rubber boat off the coast of Dikili. A suspect alleged to be a migrant smuggler was detained in connection with this incident. The migrants were processed and sent to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.

Further south in Mugla province, 62 irregular migrants, including 18 children, were apprehended off the coasts of Bodrum and Marmaris. The Coast Guard Mobile Radar (MORAD-16) detected a group on a sailing vessel off the coast of Bodrum, leading to the apprehension of 52 migrants, including 15 children, along with two suspected smugglers. In Namlialan Bay in Marmaris, 10 migrants, including three children, were found in an area inaccessible by land and were assisted by Coast Guard boats and Bozburun Gendarmerie Station Command teams. These migrants were also handed over to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. Additionally, two more individuals were detained on suspicion of human trafficking.

The Turkish Coast Guard continues to carry out operations to prevent irregular migration and ensure the safety of those attempting to cross the Aegean Sea.