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 July 3 and July 9, a total of 554 irregular migrants were rescued in 11 incidents across the country.

8 human traffickers were detained in the operations conducted by coast guards, police, anti-smuggling and organized crime units.

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