Nearly 80 irregular migrants held across Turkey

By S. Ahmet Aytac

ANKARA

At least 77 irregular migrants were held across Turkey, security sources said on Saturday. 

In the northwestern Kirklareli province, 38 irregular migrants -- including women and children -- were held near the Derekoy border gate with Bulgaria, said a security source who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The migrants – Afghan and Iranian nationals -- were trying to reach Europe, the source added.

Separately, seven irregular migrants -- all Syrian nationals -- were held by gendarmerie forces in Meric in the northwestern Edirne province near Greece.

In Bodrum, Mugla on the Aegean Sea, police held 32 migrants – including women and children -- who were Iraqi, Syrian and Palestinian nationals.

Turkey has been a main route for irregular migrants trying to cross into Europe, especially since 2011, when the Syrian civil war began.