Turkish authorities have detained 36 Afghan migrants and one Iranian migrant, including 17 children, after intercepting an inflatable boat reportedly attempting to reach Greece from Turkey’s northwestern coast.
According to the Turkish Coast Guard, the operation took place off Ayvacık in Çanakkale province after authorities received information about migrants traveling aboard a rubber boat in the Aegean Sea. Coast Guard teams intercepted the vessel and brought all 37 migrants ashore.
Two people suspected of organizing or facilitating the migrant crossing were also arrested in connection with the incident, according to the report. Authorities did not immediately provide further details about the suspects.
The Aegean Sea remains an important migration route for people attempting to travel from Turkey toward Greece and other European destinations. Afghan nationals continue to represent a significant proportion of migrants using routes through Turkey, often relying on smugglers and overcrowded boats to make the crossing.
Turkish authorities regularly conduct operations along the country’s western coastline to intercept irregular migration and combat human-smuggling networks.
The latest incident highlights the risks faced by migrants attempting dangerous sea crossings in search of safety and better economic opportunities. Inflatable boats used by smuggling networks can be particularly vulnerable to rough weather, overcrowding and mechanical problems.
The detained migrants are expected to undergo processing under Turkey’s migration procedures, while authorities continue investigating the suspected smugglers.
The incident comes amid continued efforts by Turkish authorities to control irregular migration and prevent unauthorized crossings toward Greece and the European Union.