54 irregular migrants rescued in northwestern Turkey

By Mehmet Yavas

CANAKKALE, Turkey (AA) - Turkish security teams on Saturday held at least 54 irregular migrants in the northwestern Canakkale province, according to security sources.

The Turkish Coast Guard rescued the migrants off the coast of Ayvacik in Canakkale, said a source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

After routine health checks, all of the asylum seekers were taken to the provincial migration authority.

Turkey has been a key transit point for asylum seekers aiming to cross into Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.

*Writing by Merve Aydogan in Ankara