Turkey: 2 suspected migrant smugglers arrested

By Izzet Mazi

KILIS, Turkey (AA) - At least two suspected migrant smugglers were arrested in eastern Turkey, according to a security source on Tuesday.

The suspects were arrested in Kilis province as part of probe into migrant smuggling and human trafficking, said the source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Acting on a tip-off, security forces stopped two cars in Yasar Akturk and Mehmet Rifat Kazancioglu neighborhoods.

Two Syrian citizens, identified only by initials M.C.A and M.G.K, and 20 irregular migrants, including five children, were held.

Later, the irregular migrants were referred to the provincial migration management office.

Turkey has been a key transit point for irregular migrants aiming to cross to Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar