85 irregular migrants held in northwestern Turkey

By Hanife Erdinc

CANAKKALE, Turkey

At least 85 irregular migrants were held in northwestern Canakkale province on Sunday, according to a security source.

Coast guard teams patrolling Ayvacik district spotted a group of people on a rubber boat off Behramkale village's coast, said the security source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The teams held 58 irregular migrants -- all Afghan nationals-- including women and children, who were planning to cross to the Greek island of Lesbos, the source added.

The teams rounded up another 27 irregular migrants, including Pakistani and Afghan nationals, off Burunucu in Ayvacik district.

All of the migrants were referred to the provincial repatriation center.