25 Illegal Migrants Detained off the Coast of Ötüken

On the night of August 13, off the coast of the Ötüken area, the Coast Guard of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus detained a group of 25 people attempting to illegally enter the country.

According to the Security Forces Command, at around 23:00 on August 12, a patrol crew conducting a routine operation in coastal waters detected and stopped a vessel carrying the migrants. After inspection, all detainees were brought ashore, where they underwent identity checks and medical examinations.

Following initial procedures, the foreigners were handed over to the competent authorities for further investigation. Authorities have launched an inquiry to clarify the circumstances of the incident, the migrants’ travel routes, and any individuals possibly involved in their transportation.

Officials note that maritime border control continues to be reinforced due to the increasing number of attempts to illegally cross the coastline in recent months.