By Anadolu Agency Staff
MUGLA/IZMIR/CANAKKALE/AYDIN, Turkey (AA) - Turkish security forces rescued at least 156 irregular migrants Friday in the Aegean Sea after they were pushed back by Greek authorities.
Coast Guard units rescued 38 migrants off the Dikili and Urla districts in western Izmir province after they were pushed back into Turkish territorial waters by Greek authorities.
Another group of 25 migrants was rescued by the Coast Guard off Kusadasi in southwestern Aydin province.
Separately, 40 migrants traveling in rubber boats were taken ashore off the town of Bodrum after they were pushed back by Greek forces.
Fifteen migrants were rescued by Coast Guard teams in Marmaris in southwestern Mugla province.
And Coast Guard teams spotted and rescued 38 irregular migrants struggling on rubber boats off the coast of Canakkale province in western Turkey.
Turkey has been a key transit point for asylum seekers who want to cross into Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.
The country, which already hosts 4 million refugees, more than any other in the world, is taking new security measures on its borders to prevent a new influx of migrants.