Over 85 irregular migrants held across Turkey

KARS/VAN/KOCAELI, Turkey

A total of 87 irregular migrants were held across Turkey on Wednesday, security sources said.

In the eastern provinces Van and Kars, security forces rounded up 66 migrants, including 40 Afghan nationals.

Four people more were also arrested in Van on charges of human smuggling.

Some 21 irregular migrants were held in the northwestern Kocaeli province after they were found travelling in a minibus. The driver of the vehicle was also arrested over alleged human smuggling.

All migrants were handed over to local migration offices for deportation procedures.

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

Turkey, which already hosts 4 million refugees, more than any country in the world, is taking new security measures within and on borders to prevent a fresh influx of migrants.

* Writing by Ahmet Gencturk