Newsroom
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has leveled serious accusations at European authorities, claiming that some migrant boats were deliberately punctured, resulting in deadly drownings in the Aegean and Mediterranean seas.
“Don’t forget, there were migrants who drowned because their boats were punctured,” Erdoğan said during a speech this week. “We’ve seen this happen; we’ve experienced it. It was carried out in a ruthless way.”
The Turkish leader’s remarks come amid renewed tension over how the EU, including Greece and other frontline states, is handling migration. His comments are likely to further inflame the ongoing debate about pushbacks and the treatment of asylum seekers trying to reach Europe’s shores.
The Aegean Sea, which borders both Turkey and Greece, has been a central route for thousands of migrants hoping to enter the EU. Many of these individuals also attempt crossings to Cyprus, another key entry point to Europe that has recently seen a surge in arrivals, particularly by sea.
Cyprus, which lies on the eastern edge of the Mediterranean, has raised repeated concerns in recent months about being overwhelmed by irregular migration. The island’s government has called for more support from Brussels and tougher action against trafficking networks while also facing its own criticism from rights groups over the handling of migrant arrivals.
Erdoğan cited a recent United Nations report, which found that more than 72,000 people have died or gone missing on migration routes globally since 2014. “Almost every day, we hear of a tragedy involving people searching for hope,” he said.
He also pointed to the unresolved fate of thousands of Syrian children who fled the war and sought safety in Europe, saying many remain unaccounted for.
While Erdoğan did not name specific countries or authorities allegedly involved in sabotaging the boats, the implication directed at EU border forces, particularly in the eastern Mediterranean, is clear. His claims have not yet been addressed by European governments or agencies.
However, they come at a time when Cyprus, Greece, and other frontline EU countries are under pressure to secure their borders while upholding human rights and international law.
