Maritime Dispute Escalation: Greece and Turkey at Odds Over Migrant Pushback

Greece's coast guard has denied claims by Turkey's defence ministry of pushing back migrants into Turkish waters. Turkey released drone footage alleging Greek involvement. Greek officials argue it was a legal effort to prevent illegal entry. The incident underscores long-standing tensions between the nations over territorial disputes.

Greece's coast guard has denied accusations from the Turkish defence ministry that it pushed back migrants off the island of Lesbos into Turkish territory. In response to Turkey's release of a drone video purportedly showing the incident, Greek officials insisted it was a lawful deterrence against illegal entry into Greek waters.

Turkey's defence ministry reported that their coast guard rescued the migrants shown in the footage. According to Greece, the operation was not a pushback but a preventive measure against unauthorized entry.

This incident highlights ongoing friction between Greece and Turkey, which extends to territorial disputes over continental shelves, energy resources, and the divided island of Cyprus. Despite recent efforts to improve bilateral relations, such disputes remain emotionally charged and politically sensitive for both nations.