IZMIR, Turkey

At least 41 irregular migrants seeking to cross to Europe were held in Turkey's western Izmir province, security sources said Friday.

All the migrants were referred to provincial migration authorities.

Turkey has been a key transit point for asylum seekers and irregular migrants aiming to cross into Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.

The country opened its gates earlier this year to irregular migrants seeking to cross to Europe, accusing the EU of failing to keep its promises under a 2016 migrant deal.

*Writing by Seda Sevencan