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

Between July 31 and August 06, a total of 530 migrants were rescued in 15 incidents, the statement said. 

2 suspects were arrested for allegedly smuggling migrants in this period, the statement added.

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