180 irregular migrants held in Turkey

By S. Ahmet Aytac

ANKARA (AA) - At least 180 irregular migrants were held across Turkey, security sources said Thursday.

In Ayvacik in the northwestern Canakkale province, gendarmerie units held 61 migrants -- including Afghan, Syrian nationals -- said a security source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Separately, in the Aegean Izmir province, 93 irregular migrants -- including women and children -- were held in the Kusadasi district.

Also in Baskale in the eastern Van province, gendarmerie forces held 26 migrants -- all Pakistan nationals.

All of the migrants were referred to provincial migration offices.

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