According to the statement, Greek Coast Guard forces pushed the boats carrying irregular migrants, including women and children, back to Turkey. They were rescued off coast of western Turkey in the Aegean Sea.

Between June 26 and July 2, a total of 198 migrants were rescued in 7 incidents and the body of one irregular migrant was recovered from the sea.

Turkey has traditionally been a major transit port for irregular immigrants to enter the European countries.

According to the official reports, 454,662 irregular migrants held across the country in 2019.

ILKHA