145 undocumented migrants held in Turkey

By Ali Riza Akkir

ANKARA

At least 145 undocumented migrants were held in southern Turkey on Monday, according to a security source.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media, said gendarmerie forces detained 145 migrants in Mugla province following a tip-off.

Among them were 141 Pakistanis, a Bangladeshi, a Nepalese and two Afghans, the source added.

The migrants, who illegally entered Turkey, were later sent to provincial migration authorities.

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

Among the migrants held in 2017 in Turkey, the majority came from Pakistan -- around 15,000 -- followed by Afghans at around 12,000. Syrians totaled about 10,000.