Türkiye rescues 235 irregular migrants in Aegean Sea

AYDIN/ MUGLA/ IZMIR, Türkiye

The Turkish Coast Guard rescued 235 irregular migrants in the Aegean Sea after Greek authorities pushed them back into Turkish territorial waters, according to a statement Tuesday.

Coast guard units saved 36 irregular migrants from a rubber boat off Aydin's Kusadasi and Didim districts, while 19 were rescued off Bodrum district in Mugla province, said the Turkish Coast Guard.

Teams also rescued 180 irregular migrants off the districts of Urla, Menderes, Seferihisar and Karaburun in Izmir province.

The migrants were transported to the provincial migration department.

Türkiye and global rights groups have repeatedly condemned Greece's illegal practice of pushing back asylum seekers, saying it violates humanitarian values and international law by endangering the lives of vulnerable migrants, including women and children.

*Writing by Merve Berker