Over 1,000 undocumented migrants held across Turkey

By Muhammed Ali Toruntay and Hanife Erdinc  

ANKARA/CANAKKALE, Turkey 

A total of 1,066 undocumented migrants were held across Turkey, a statement and officials said on Monday.

In a statement, Turkish General Staff said a total of 1,035 undocumented migrants were held across the country during operations carried out on March 11.

The Turkish military arrested 930 migrants when they were trying to cross into Turkey from Syria, the statement said, adding another seven migrants, who were trying to cross into Turkey from Iraq, have also rounded up.

At least 57 more migrants were arrested when they crossed into Turkey from Iran. A total of 22 rifles were also recovered from their possession.

Also, 41 people who were trying to cross into Greece from Turkey were held by the Turkish army, the statement said.

Separately, Turkish Coast Guard officials told Anadolu Agency that at least 31 undocumented migrants were held in northwestern province of Canakkale.

Turkish Coast Guard teams determined that the group of Afghan and Iran nationals were trying to cross into Greece’s Lesbos island on a rubber boat, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media.

Among the migrants include women and children, they added.

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