Turkish Coast Guard teams rescued 71 irregular migrants, including 18 children, off the coast of Didim district in Aydın after they were reportedly pushed back into Turkish territorial waters by Greek authorities.

Authorities confirmed that the rescued migrants had been attempting to cross to Greece by rubber boat or lifeboat when they were intercepted and returned to Turkish waters.

Efforts are ongoing to monitor and rescue irregular migrants attempting similar crossings off the coasts of Didim and Kuşadası, which remain hotspots for illegal migration in the Aegean region.

The rescued individuals were transferred to the Aydın Irregular Migrant Pre-Reception and Transfer Center (GÖKSEM) for registration, medical checks, and further processing.

Turkish authorities continue to emphasize the importance of coordinated search and rescue operations in the Aegean to prevent loss of life among migrants attempting dangerous sea crossings. (ILKHA)