Security units detained a total of 25 irregular migrants, including 14 children, during an operation off the coast of Izmir’s Menderes district.

The Turkish Coast Guard Command reported that one of its patrol boats (TCSG-7) and a support vessel (KB-87) identified a suspicious rubber boat moving off the coast of Menderes. The vessel was stopped, and 11 irregular migrants together with 14 accompanying children were taken into custody.

Authorities also detained one individual suspected of organizing the smuggling attempt. The migrants were later transferred to the provincial migration office for official procedures, while the suspect was handed over to judicial authorities.

Türkiye continues its efforts to curb illegal migration in the Aegean Sea, where many attempt dangerous crossings toward Europe. The Coast Guard regularly carries out search, rescue, and interception missions to prevent loss of life at sea.(ILKHA)