Greece Detains 107 Migrants Amid Mediterranean Migration Surge

Greek authorities have detained 107 migrants in two separate operations near Crete, attributed largely to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. In the first incident, a cargo ship rescued 42 male migrants from a distressed vessel that had departed from the Libyan port of Tobruk, while two men were arrested on smuggling charges. In a second operation, 65 migrants were found on the island of Gavdos, with one requiring medical assistance. Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs, Stefanos Gikas, noted that illegal migration has surged since late 2023, with 47,267 individuals entering Greece illegally in 2024 and 625 arrested for smuggling. The situation underscores Greece's ongoing challenges as a primary entry point for migrants and asylum seekers into Europe. Government officials continue to link the rise in crossings to instability in the Middle East.