24 undocumented migrants held in western Turkey

By Mehmet Yavas

CANAKKALE, Turkey (AA) - At least 24 undocumented migrants were held in northwestern Canakkale province on Friday, according to gendarmerie sources.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media, said the forces stopped a van over suspicion in Ayvacik district.

The forces found 24 Syrian and Afghan nationals inside the van, while two other suspects were also arrested for human smuggling.

The migrants were trying to cross into Greece's Lesbos island by illegal means, the sources added.

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