ANKARA, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Turkish coast guards on Wednesday rescued 45 undocumented migrants, including 26 children, off the coast of Cesme district of western Izmir province after their rubber boat's engine malfunctioned, leaving them adrift, the state-run broadcaster TRT reported.
In another operation off the Cesme coast, coast guards reportedly stopped a rubber boat carrying 31 undocumented migrants, 11 of whom were children.
Türkiye's geographical position between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East makes it a key transit route for migrants aiming to reach Europe. As a destination and transit point for refugees, particularly from Syria and Afghanistan, Türkiye has faced significant challenges with undocumented migration. ■
