Over 300 undocumented migrants held in western Turkey

By Safak Yel and Fahrettin Gok

ANKARA

At least 325 undocumented migrants were held in Turkey’s Aegean province of Izmir and eastern province of Erzurum on Wednesday, according to security sources.

Gendarmerie forces rounded up 65 Syrian nationals in Izmir reportedly planning to illegally cross to Greek islands, said the sources, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The migrants, traveling in a car and minibus, were caught near the Dikili district after a short chase. The driver of the car was arrested and remanded into custody.

Separately, security forces held 47 foreign nationals in Izmir's Cesme district and 95 others in the Urla district, the sources said.

Police forces also held 118 undocumented migrants in Erzurum, Afghan and Pakistani nationals who were walking along the Erzurum-Agri road, the sources added.

Turkey has been a main route for refugees trying to cross into Europe, especially since the beginning of the civil war in Syria.

By Safak Yel and Fahrettin Gok

ANKARA

At least 325 undocumented migrants were held in Turkey’s Aegean province of Izmir and eastern province of Erzurum on Wednesday, according to security sources.

The migrants, traveling in a car and minibus, were caught near the Dikili district after a short chase. The driver of the car was arrested and remanded into custody.

Separately, security forces held 47 foreign nationals in Izmir's Cesme district and 95 others in the Urla district, the sources said.

Police forces also held 118 undocumented migrants in Erzurum, Afghan and Pakistani nationals who were walking along the Erzurum-Agri road, the sources added.

Turkey has been a main route for refugees trying to cross into Europe, especially since the beginning of the civil war in Syria.