Nearly 80 irregular migrants held across Turkey

By S. Ahmet Aytac

ANKARA (AA) – At least 77 irregular migrants were held across Turkey, security sources said on Saturday.

In the northwestern Kirklareli province, 38 irregular migrants -- including women and children -- were held near the Derekoy border gate with Bulgaria, said a security source who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The migrants – Afghan and Iranian nationals -- were trying to reach Europe, the source added.

Separately, seven irregular migrants -- all Syrian nationals -- were held by gendarmerie forces in Meric in the northwestern Edirne province near Greece.

In Bodrum, Mugla on the Aegean Sea, police held 32 migrants – including women and children -- who were Iraqi, Syrian and Palestinian nationals.

Turkey has been a main route for irregular migrants trying to cross into Europe, especially since 2011, when the Syrian civil war began.