Turkey rescues migrants pushed back by Greece

A dinghy with refugees approaches the Greek island of Lesbos on 28 February 2020 [ARIS MESSINIS/AFP via Getty Images]

Security forces rescued at least 56 migrants in Turkey’s northwestern province of Canakkale on Friday, Anadolu Agency reports.

Turkey’s Coast Guard Command detected the presence of a group of irregular migrants on a rubber boat off the coast of Kadirga in the town of Ayvacik.

The migrants, who had been pushed back to Turkish territorial waters by Greek elements, were rescued and taken ashore.

After routine procedures, the migrants were transferred to the local repatriation centre.

Turkey and human rights groups have repeatedly condemned Greece’s illegal practice, saying it violates humanitarian values and international law by endangering the lives of vulnerable migrants, including women and children.

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