UPDATE 2 - Nearly 700 undocumented migrants held in eastern Turkey

UPDATES WITH NUMBER OF MIGRANTS HELD; CHANGES HEADLINE, LEDE

By Ilhami Erkilic

ERZURUM, Turkey (AA) - A total of 692 undocumented migrants were held in eastern Turkey, security sources said on Friday.

In Turkey’s eastern province of Erzurum, 450 undocumented migrants were held, said a source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to media.

Police in Erzurum were tipped off that undocumented migrants were roaming in groups around the intercity bus terminal in the city, the source said.

The majority of the migrants are from Afghanistan and Pakistan, the source added.

According to the source, the undocumented migrants had to walk for kilometers due to heavy snowfall in the city and most of them fell asleep while waiting to be taken to the police center.

The undocumented migrants will be taken to Askale Repatriation Center and later deported, the source added.

Meanwhile, in eastern Van province police held 154 undocumented migrants, mainly Afghan and Pakistani nationals, in two separate operations.

Also in eastern province of Kars, 58 undocumented migrants were held, another police source said.

Additionally, 30 undocumented migrants -- Syrian, Pakistani and Afghan nationals -- were held in northeastern Edirne province.

Turkey has been a main route for refugees and asylum seekers trying to cross into Europe, especially since the beginning of the Syrian civil war.