Turkiye captures 439 irregular migrants, rescues 102 in same day

Turkish coast guards rescue irregular migrants who were illegally pushed back into Turkiye territorial waters by Greek forces off the coast of Mugla, Turkiye [Turkish Coast Guard Command/Handout/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images]

Turkish security forces captured 439 irregular migrants Friday while an additional 102 on two faulty boats that suffered engine failure off the country’s Aegean coast were rescued by coast guard forces, according to a statement, Anadolu reports.

Eighty-four migrants were saved off the coast of western Izmir’s Urla and Foca districts while 18 were rescued off Datca in western Mugla province, it said.

The coast guard also brought 74 irregular migrants to land who were illegally pushed back by Greek forces.

In addition, 58 migrants were captured off western Canakkale province’s Ayvacik district while 35 were captured off the coast of western Aydin province’s Kusadasi district.

Irregular migrants were also captured in several operations in western Balikesir, Kirklareli and Aydin provinces, southern Antalya province’s Alanya district and eastern Erzincan province.

READ: Turkiye defence minister: ‘Turkiye will not withdraw military from Syria until security is established’

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