Turkish Coast Guard rescues 93 migrants off Izmir, arrests six smugglers

The Turkish Coast Guard intercepted three inflatable boats carrying a total of 93 irregular migrants in the waters offshore the Izmir districts of Urla, Menderes and Karaburun. An unmanned aerial vehicle spotted a boat near Urla; a patrol ship and boat halted the vessel and rescued 17 migrants, including five children, bringing them ashore. In Menderes, a coastal surveillance craft stopped another boat and rescued 35 migrants. Near Karaburun, a distressed boat with a faulty motor was boarded and 36 migrants were taken to safety. Following the operations, joint coastal‑guard and Selçuk district gendarmerie teams detained six individuals suspected of involvement in migrant smuggling. All rescued persons were transferred to the provincial Immigration Directorate for processing.