Over 55 irregular migrants held across Turkey

By Hakan Mehmet Sahin and Cemal Asan

EDIRNE/VAN, Turkey (AA) - At least 56 irregular migrants were held across Turkey, security sources said on Sunday.

In the northwestern Edirne province, 18 irregular migrants were held in the Meric district near Bulgaria during a regular patrol by gendarmerie forces, said a security source who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

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

Separately, 38 irregular migrants – Afghanistan and Pakistan nationals -- were held by gendarmerie forces in Muradiye in the eastern Van province near the Iranian border.

All of the migrants were referred to the provincial migration directorate.

Separately, security forces also arrested two suspects on human trafficking charges.

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