23 October 2018•Update: 23 October 2018
TEKIRDAG/EDIRNE/CANAKKALE/ERZINCAN, Turkey
At least 305 irregular migrants were held across Turkey, security sources said Tuesday.
In northwestern province of Edirne’s Meric and Uzunkopru districts , Turkish gendarmerie units rounded up 155 irregular migrants near the Bulgarian border, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to media.
The migrants -- nationals of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Algeria, Tunisia, Somalia and Palestine -- were referred to the immigration office.
Meanwhile, in the eastern province of Erzincan, 98 irregular migrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh were held.
Also, six other irregular migrants, all Pakistani nationals, were held by gendarmery forces in Malkara district of northwestern Tekirdag province, and later referred to the immigration office.
Separately, in Ayvacik district of northwestern Canakkale province, coast guards held 46 irregular migrants.
The Afghans and Iranians were planning to cross into the Greek islands and Europe.
Turkey has been a main route for irregular migrants trying to cross into Europe, especially since 2011 when the Syrian civil war began.
*S. Ahmet Aytac from Ankara contributed to this story
