More than 180 undocumented migrants held in Turkey

By Sagip Sezginer and Hakan Mehmet Sahin

ERZURUM/EDIRNE, Turkey

At least 181 undocumented migrants have been held across Turkey, according to a security source Sunday.

In northwestern Edirne province, 41 migrants attempted to illegally cross into Europe, the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media, said.

Gendarmerie forces carried out a search of a van in the Haskoy village of Havsa district.

Among the migrants were Syrians, who were later taken to a provincial migration authority while the driver was arrested, the source added.

Separately, in eastern Erzurum province, 140 undocumented Afghan and Pakistani migrants were held at different locations while they were walking in groups.

The migrants were sent for deportation.

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