Over 400 undocumented migrants held in western Turkey

By Candogan Parlatan and Ibrahim Yozoglu

IZMIR/SAKARYA, Turkey (AA) - More than 400 undocumented migrants were held in western Turkey, Turkish security sources said Wednesday.

Turkish Coast Guard said that a total of 410 undocumented migrants have been held in operations carried out in Turkey’s western provinces of Izmir and Aydin over the past three days.

Syria, Iraq, Somalia, Afghanistan, Senegal, Central and South Africa nationals were referred to provincial migration authorities.

Separately, in Sakarya province, Turkish security forces held 31 undocumented migrants -- all Pakistan nationals.

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