Turkey on Thursday rescued 27 asylum seekers, including women and children, who were pushed back by Greek forces into Turkish territorial waters, according to security sources.
GREECE HAS BEEN ACCUSED OF VIOLATION OF INTERNATIONAL LAW
In a rescue operation, the Turkish Coast Guard rescued the asylum seekers, who set off for the Greek island of Lesbos, in the Aegean off the coast of Ayvalik in the Balikesir province.
They were on board rubber boats that were pushed back to Turkish territorial waters by the Greek Coast Guard, said the sources, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.
Turkey earlier this year opened its gates for irregular migrants wanting to cross to Europe, accusing the EU of failing to keep its promises under a 2016 migrant deal.
Greece has been accused of mistreating and pushing back asylum seekers from its borders, in violation of international law.