Greek Coast Guard Enters Turkish Waters Near Bodrum

On September 20, 2024, a Greek Coast Guard vessel violated Turkish territorial waters near Bodrum while pursuing a dinghy suspected of being involved in people trafficking. The chase, which was recorded by citizens, ended when the dinghy, carrying a migrant, landed on the Turkish shore, prompting the Greek vessel to retreat after Turkish Coast Guard units were dispatched to the scene. Turkish officials have expressed concerns that such incidents reflect deteriorating national security due to political divisions affecting military coordination. Eyewitness accounts highlighted historical tensions over territorial claims, with Ankara accusing Greece of forcing boats back into Turkish waters. The incident underscores ongoing friction in the Aegean Sea, as both countries contend with refugee movements and maritime sovereignty issues. The Turkish Coast Guard is actively searching for the individual believed to have fled into nearby woods, suspected of being a migrant smuggler.