Over 185 irregular migrants held in Turkey

By Cihan Demirci and Erdal Turkoglu

EDIRNE / HATAY, Turkey

At least 187 irregular migrants were held in northwestern and southern Turkey, according to security sources on Friday.

In northwestern Edirne province, 149 irregular migrants, who attempted to illegally go abroad, were detained, said a security source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The migrants, including Palestinian, Moroccan, Algerian, Tunisian, Iraqi, Afghan, Bangladeshi and Pakistani nationals, were held during controls in villages of Orhaniye, Bosnakoyu and Yenikadin, as well as Meric and Ipsala districts, the source added.

They were referred to the provincial migration office.

Also in southern province of Hatay’s Altinozu district, 38 Syrian nationals were held as they tried to illegally enter Turkey, another security source said.

The Syrians were referred to gendarmerie for necessary procedures.

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

By Cihan Demirci and Erdal Turkoglu

EDIRNE / HATAY, Turkey

At least 187 irregular migrants were held in northwestern and southern Turkey, according to security sources on Friday.

They were referred to the provincial migration office.

Also in southern province of Hatay’s Altinozu district, 38 Syrian nationals were held as they tried to illegally enter Turkey, another security source said.

The Syrians were referred to gendarmerie for necessary procedures.

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