Turkish police have arrested 35 citizens of Afghanistan in the country’s Balıkesir province while they were attempting to cross into Greece by sea.

Anadolu Agency reported on Friday, November 13 (22 Aqrab), that officers from the anti-migrant smuggling and border crossings unit of the Balıkesir Provincial Police Department conducted an operation targeting suspected human smuggling activities along the maritime route to Greece.

According to the report, 35 citizens of Afghanistan and four suspects accused of involvement in migrant smuggling were detained during the operation.

Police also seized 12 life jackets, 12 lifebuoys and three pumps.

Three of the four suspects were referred to court after completing police procedures and were remanded in custody by a judge. The fourth suspect was released under judicial supervision.

The 35 citizens of Afghanistan were transferred to a migrant reception and referral centre.

The migration of young people from Afghanistan to European countries through dangerous land and sea routes has become a major humanitarian and social concern in recent years.

Widespread unemployment, poverty, a lack of job opportunities, limited access to education and higher education, uncertainty about the future and economic hardship are among the factors pushing some young people to leave Afghanistan.

Many undertake dangerous journeys through human smuggling networks in the hope of reaching Europe. These routes often involve crossing seas, deserts and heavily monitored borders, exposing migrants to the risks of drowning, arrest, exploitation by smugglers and even death.

Turkiye remains an important transit country for migrants seeking to reach Europe, with some attempting to cross the Aegean Sea from its coastal areas to Greece.