More than 200 undocumented migrants held across Turkey

By Baris Yalcinkaya, Seyhan Kirici and Mehmet Ali Ilnem

ERZINCAN, Turkey (AA) - More than 200 undocumented migrants, including women and children were held on Thursday during anti-human trafficking operations in northwestern and northeastern Turkish provinces, according to provincial governor offices.

Gendarme units found 171 migrants, including women and children stowed away in the back of a lorry on the road between Erzincan and Erzurum provinces near Tercan district, Erzincan Governor's Office said.

The main organizer of the illegal trip was arrested while driver and owner of the lorry were fined 44,833 Turkish liras ($11,481), it added.

In northwestern Balikesir province, a court remanded in custody 52 foreigners in Ayvalik district, while six others were remanded for human trafficking. Among the migrants were nine Africans and 43 Syrians, Balikesir Governor's Office said.

Separately, 13 people were arrested during anti-smuggling operations in southwestern Denizli province; the suspects were found to be in possession of contraband cigarettes, alcohol and tobacco.

In Aydin province, 35 Syrians, who were trying to reach Greece using illegal routes, were detained, according to a security official, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on talking to the media.