Turkey: Over 330 irregular migrants held in a week

By Aykut Karadag

ANKARA (AA) - At least 332 irregular migrants were held across Turkey over the last week, the country’s Interior Ministry said on Saturday.

In a statement, the ministry said the Turkish Coast Guard held a total of 332 irregular migrants during operations conducted on Nov. 2-9.

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

Meanwhile, the Turkish Coast Guard also rescued 177 migrants in Anamur and Erdemli districts of the southern Mersin province, Ayvalik district of the northwestern Balikesir province, Foca and Seferihisar districts of the western Izmir province and Ayvacik district of northwestern Canakkale province.

The statement added that three human smugglers were also arrested.