14 asylum seekers held in NW Turkey

KIRKLARELI, Turkey

Fourteen asylum seekers were held by Turkish gendarmerie forces in Turkey's northwestern province of Kirklareli, which borders Bulgaria, the security sources said on Saturday.

The asylum seekers -- Afghan, Egyptian, and Syrian nationals -- were held as they entered the country through illegal means.

Following health checks at a local state hospital, they were referred to the provincial Gendarmerie Command, and later transferred to the local repatriation center.

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.

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

* Writing by Jeyhun Aliyev from Ankara.

KIRKLARELI, Turkey

Fourteen asylum seekers were held by Turkish gendarmerie forces in Turkey's northwestern province of Kirklareli, which borders Bulgaria, the security sources said on Saturday.

The asylum seekers -- Afghan, Egyptian, and Syrian nationals -- were held as they entered the country through illegal means.

Following health checks at a local state hospital, they were referred to the provincial Gendarmerie Command, and later transferred to the local repatriation center.

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.

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

* Writing by Jeyhun Aliyev from Ankara.