At least 16 migrants dead in Aegean boat sinkings

Two separate migrant boat accidents in the Aegean Sea have resulted in at least 16 deaths, with incidents occurring near the Greek island of Lesbos and off the coast of Turkiye. In the first incident, seven people, including two children, died when an inflatable boat capsized, while 23 were rescued by the Greek coast guard. Simultaneously, nine migrants perished in a separate sinking off Turkiye's Ayvacik district, where 25 individuals were rescued. Despite calm weather conditions, both accidents highlight the ongoing dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross this perilous route to the European Union. Authorities from Greece and Turkiye have launched rescue operations, with one individual arrested on suspicion of being a smuggler. The tragedies underscore the urgent need for addressing the humanitarian crisis stemming from migrants fleeing conflict and poverty.