By Anadolu Agency Staff
IZMIR, Turkey (AA) – The Turkish Coast Guard units on Friday rescued dozens of irregular migrants off western Izmir province after they were pushed back into Turkey's territorial waters.
According to a statement by the Coast Guard on its website, a total of 75 irregular migrants were saved amid three separate operations conducted off the districts of Cesme, Menderes, and Dikili.
They were later referred to the provincial migration office for official procedures.
Also, 181 other irregular migrants were caught by Turkish security elements in the eastern province of Bitlis and northwestern Kocaeli province.
All 149 held in Bitlis were of Afghan nationality, while the human smugglers were arrested.
* Writing by Ali Murat Alhas in Ankara.