74 irregular migrants held in central Turkey

By Abdullah Ozkul

NIGDE, Turkey (AA) – Turkish security forces on Saturday held at least 74 irregular migrants in the central province of Nigde, said a security source.

Regional gendarmerie forces were dispatched to the location after receiving information that a large group disembarked from a truck cruising the highway connecting the province to the capital Ankara, said the source, who requested anonymity since he is not authorized to speak to the media.

The teams eventually located and held 74 irregular migrants, including Afghan and Pakistani nationals who had entered the country illegally, the source said.

The irregular migrants were taken to the provincial migration center, the source added.

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

It hosts nearly 4 million refugees, including over 3.6 million Syrians, more than any other country in the world.

​​​​* Writing by Ahmet Gencturk