Turkish Coast Guard Detains 38 Afghan Migrants Off Aegean Coast

Turkish Coast Guard Detains 38 Afghan Migrants Off Aegean Coast
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The Turkish Coast Guard intercepted a plastic boat near Ayvacık in Çanakkale province, detaining 38 Afghan migrants, including 20 children, as reported by Khaama Press. The group was attempting to cross illegally to Greece via the Aegean Sea when detected on July 26.

Following the operation, all individuals were transferred to a migrant detention center in Çanakkale after completing legal procedures. According to Turkish media, the migrants were traveling in unsafe, overcrowded conditions. The incident comes amid a rise in attempted crossings by Afghan nationals, following ongoing instability in Afghanistan.

Turkish authorities have increased patrols along the western coast in recent months to curb such movements. Since 2020, the Coast Guard has reportedly stopped more than 190,000 illegal sea crossing attempts.

While these operations aim to prevent loss of life, human rights groups emphasize the need for long-term solutions, including stronger asylum systems and enhanced regional stability to address the root causes of migration.