Over 200 undocumented migrants held in western Turkey

By Safak Yel and Ozgun Tiran

IZMIR, KIRKLARELI, Turkey (AA) - At least 213 undocumented migrants were held in western Turkey on Saturday, according to security sources.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media, said gendarmerie forces and coastal guards detained 188 migrants in Izmir province.

Five suspects, including two Syrians, were arrested for attempting to cross into Greece using illegal routes.

Also in Kirklareli province, gendarmerie forces detained 25 Pakistani nationals, the sources said.

The sources added that the migrants were attempting to cross into Europe using illegal routes.

Turkey has been a main route for refugees trying to cross into Europe, especially since the beginning of the civil war in Syria.