The number of irregular migrants intercepted at sea in Türkiye fell 53% in the first eight months of 2026 compared with the same period last year, according to Coast Guard Command data, as authorities intensified efforts against irregular migration and migrant smuggling.
Coast guard teams intercepted 5,984 irregular migrants in 256 incidents through Aug. 30 this year, compared with 12,857 migrants in 494 incidents during the same period of 2025.
The number of incidents fell 48% year-over-year.
The figures also showed a broader decline since 2024. Authorities recorded 2,011 irregular migration incidents involving 55,726 migrants in 2024, while 20,078 migrants were intercepted in 767 incidents in 2025.
August recorded the highest monthly number of interceptions this year, with 988 irregular migrants apprehended at sea, followed by June with 942 and July with 902.
