Greece Denies Turkey's Pushback Accusations in Migrant Boat Incident

09:51 23/7/2024 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

The Greek coast guard has denied accusations by the Turkish defence ministry that it pushed back migrants off the island of Lesbos into Turkish territory.

The Turkish ministry had

posted a video on X allegedly showing a Greek patrol boat pushing a migrant boat. The Greek coast guard clarified that the incident was a standard interception and blocking of a craft attempting to approach Greek territorial waters north of Lesbos.

They further stated that the Turkish coast guard was promptly informed about the situation and the need to retrieve the boat.

Reports indicate that the Turkish coast guard arrived at the scene shortly after.

The incident is not an isolated one.

Migrants often attempt to reach Greek islands from the Turkish coast, often with the assistance of smuggling gangs operating in Turkey and beyond.

The Turkish defence ministry's video claimed to show a Greek coast guard vessel "pushing a vessel transporting irregular migrants north of Lesbos." However, the post also confirmed that a Turkish vessel rescued the occupants of the migrant boat.

The ages, gender, and nationality of the rescued individuals were not disclosed.

Greece insists it follows procedures to protect its border.

Διαβάστε περισσότερα στο iefimerida.gr