Türkiye’s Interior Minister, Mustafa Çiftçi, has said the country will continue its strong fight against irregular migration and migrant smuggling networks, stressing that authorities will not allow traffickers to operate within the country.
The minister made the remarks during an iftar gathering with personnel of the Turkish Coast Guard Command at the Interior Ministry in Ankara. He praised the coast guard for its efforts in protecting Türkiye’s maritime borders and saving lives during dangerous migration journeys at sea.
According to Çiftçi, irregular migration remains one of the major challenges affecting border security, public order, and the safety of human life. He said Türkiye will continue to show compassion to people in need while taking firm action against criminal groups that profit from migrant smuggling.
The minister described the coast guard as a key force in protecting the country’s maritime interests, often referred to as the “Blue Homeland,” a term used in Türkiye to describe its maritime jurisdiction and strategic influence at sea.
He explained that surveillance and intervention operations carried out by the coast guard help dismantle smuggling routes and prevent migrants from risking their lives on unsafe sea journeys. These operations, he said, also act as a deterrent against organized criminal networks involved in human trafficking.
Çiftçi also highlighted the wide responsibilities of the coast guard, including search and rescue missions, maritime safety, environmental protection, and combating illegal activities such as drug trafficking and migrant smuggling.
During the event, Coast Guard Commander Ahmet Kendir also addressed personnel, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong maritime security operations.
The minister further stressed that the government under Recep Tayyip Erdoğan remains committed to confronting organized crime, human trafficking networks, and terrorism through strict law enforcement measures.
Türkiye remains a major transit route for migrants attempting to reach Europe, especially through the Aegean Sea. As a result, the country’s coast guard regularly carries out rescue missions and interceptions along migration routes.
Earlier this year, authorities reported that 478 irregular migrants and 19 migrant smugglers were captured during nationwide inspections coordinated by the General Directorate of Migration Management. More than 27,000 personnel participated in the operation across 81 provinces, inspecting over 14,000 locations.
Officials say these nationwide efforts are part of Türkiye’s broader strategy to strengthen border control, dismantle smuggling networks, and reduce irregular migration.