35 undocumented migrants held in Turkey

By Hanife Erdinc, Burak Akay and Salih Baran

CANAKKALE, Turkey (AA) - At least 35 undocumented migrants were held in northwestern Turkey on Saturday, according to security sources.

In the northwestern Canakkale province, coast guard units apprehended 10 undocumented migrants on an inflatable boat off the coast of Assos Kadirga Bay in the Ayvacik district.

Syrian nationals, including women and children, allegedly attempted to cross illegally into the Greek Lesbos Island.

The gendarmerie rounded up 25 foreign nationals in northwestern province of Edirne, said security sources who refused to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

In Uzunkopru district, 14 undocumented Syrian migrants were held when the gendarmerie stopped two vehicles on the highway.

Also in central Bosnakoy town, 11 Palestinian, Syrian and Tunisian nationals were held by border guards while attempting to cross into Greece.

The migrants were later transferred to the migration management authorities.

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