Over 180 irregular migrants held in Turkey

Turkey has been main route for irregular migrants trying to cross into Europe

By Merve Aydogan

ANKARA (AA) - At least 181 migrants were held on Monday across Turkey, according to security sources.

In the Baskale and Ercis districts of the eastern Van province, 115 migrants were held by local gendarmerie forces during a regular road patrol.

Separately the local security units and Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) have conducted joint operations in the Aegean Izmir province to prevent irregular migration.

The operations saw the arrest of 66 irregular migrants. Among them were 26 Syrian, 18 Afghan, 15 Palestinian, six Central African and an Iranian national.

All the migrants were referred to provincial migration offices.

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

Kaynak: