Turkish Coast Guard teams rescued 17 irregular migrants who were pushed into Turkish territorial waters by Greek forces off the coast of Seferihisar district in Izmir on Tuesday.

The migrants were found on two rubber boats that were drifting in the Aegean Sea. They were reportedly abandoned by Greek forces after their boats were intercepted.

The Turkish Coast Guard teams brought the migrants to shore and provided them with medical attention. They were then taken to the Foreigners' Repatriation Center, where they will be processed for deportation.

The rescue operation comes amid a growing number of irregular migrants attempting to cross the Aegean Sea from Türkiye to Greece. In recent months, Greek authorities have been increasingly pushing back migrants into Turkish waters.

The Turkish government has condemned the Greek practice of pushing back migrants, calling it a violation of international law. The government has also said that it is willing to work with Greece to find a humane and orderly solution to the migration crisis. (ILKHA)