VAN, Turkey 

Turkish security forces this year prevented more than 120,000 irregular migrants from entering the country from the border with Iran, according to a tally of official data from 2021.

During operations this year, a total of 1,904 people were arrested on suspicion of smuggling migrants, and 880 vehicles and five boats used in migrant smuggling were also seized.

Also, 15,000 irregular migrants were arrested in the eastern border province of Van.

Van Governor Mehmet Emin Bilmez told Anadolu Agency that a 64-kilometer (39-mile) wall is being built along the Turkish-Iranian border to prevent illegal crossings. The installation of a 40-km (25-mi) firewall has been completed, he said, adding that the rest will be completed in the spring.

Also, 235 km (146 mi) of a trench along the border measuring 4 meters deep and 4 meters wide has been dug, Bilmez added.

Highlighting security forces’ efforts to prevent illegal crossings as well as smuggling and terrorist infiltration using the country’s eastern borders, he said the border is kept under constant surveillance through armored vehicle patrols, along with unmanned aerial vehicles, thermal cameras, and optical towers.

Moreover, a total of 103 optical towers were built in the region, including 58 observation towers and 45 communication towers. Some have been activated, he said.

Turkey has been a key transit point for irregular migrants 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 other country in the world, is taking new measures at its borders to prevent a fresh influx of migrants.