“Turkish Security Forces Capture 28 People Attempting Illegal Border Crossings; FETO and PKK Affiliates Arrested”

Turkish security forces have successfully apprehended at least 28 individuals attempting to cross the borders of Greece and Turkey through illegal means. The Turkish National Defense Ministry reported this significant development, stating that 22 individuals were caught trying to illegally cross from Turkey to Greece, while six others were intercepted while attempting to enter Turkey from Greece. The ministry referred to their security forces as the “Border Eagles” who were responsible for these apprehensions.

Among the captured individuals, 16 have been identified as members of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), a group that orchestrated the failed coup in Turkey in 2016. The PKK/PYD/YPG terror group was also found to be affiliated with three of the apprehended individuals. The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the EU, has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people in its 35-year terror campaign against Turkey. The YPG is the group’s Syrian offshoot.

In a separate incident, Turkish forces rescued nine irregular migrants who had been pushed into Turkish territorial waters by Greek naval forces off the Aegean province of Balikesir. The Turkish Coast Guard received information about the migrants in inflatable boats and promptly carried out the rescue operation.

The actions of Greek authorities have been under scrutiny, as there have been reports of illegal pushbacks and human rights breaches by Greek forces. Survivors of a recent migrant boat sinking blamed a Greek Coast Guard boat for the incident, alleging that they were being towed into Italian waters. Turkey and international human rights groups have condemned Greece’s illegal practices of pushing back asylum seekers, emphasizing that it violates humanitarian values and international law, putting the lives of vulnerable migrants at risk.

These recent developments highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Turkey in managing its borders and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. The efforts of the Turkish security forces in apprehending individuals involved in illegal border crossings demonstrate their commitment to maintaining border integrity and combating terrorism..