Turkish coast guard rescues 63 asylum seekers

MUGLA, Turkey

The Turkish Coast Guard rescued 63 asylum seekers Tuesday who were pushed back by Greek coastal authorities into Turkish waters off the Aegean coast, according to security sources.

The coast guard was dispatched to the area after asylum seekers asked for help in the Marmaris district of Mugla.

Sixty-three people were taken to the Turkish shore on a coast guard boat before being transferred to the provincial migration office.

Meanwhile, security forces arrested two suspects who allegedly organized asylum seekers' escape to Europe.

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

The country opened its gates earlier this year to irregular migrants seeking to cross to Europe, accusing the EU of failing to keep its promises under a 2016 migrant deal.

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

*Writing by Fahri Aksut