Turkish Coast Guard rescues 40 asylum seekers

MUGLA, Turkey

The Turkish Coast Guard rescued 40 asylum seekers, including women and children, who were pushed back by Greek coastal authorities into Turkish waters off the Aegean coast, security sources said Tuesday.

The coast guard team was dispatched to the area after asylum seekers asked for help in the Marmaris district of Mugla, said the source who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

After reaching Turkish shores, they were transferred to the provincial migration office.

Turkey has been a key transit point for asylum seekers who want to cross to Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.

Earlier this year, Turkey opened its gates to irregular migrants, accusing the EU of failing to keep promises under a 2016 migrant deal.

Turkey hosts nearly 4 million Syrians, more than any other country in the world.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar