113 irregular migrants held in eastern Turkey

VAN, Turkey

At least 113 irregular migrants were held in eastern Turkey, a security source said on Tuesday.

The migrants, all Afghan nationals, who entered Turkey through illegal means, were rounded up in the Ercis district of Van province, said the source, who requested anonymity since he is not authorized to speak to the media.

They were taken to the provincial migration center, the source added.

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.

It hosts nearly 4 million refugees, including over 3.6 million Syrians, more than any other country in the world.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar