UPDATE - 205 irregular migrants held across Turkey

UPDATES WITH RELATED DEVELOPMENTS IN OTHER PROVINCES

By Ozgun Tiran, Mesut Varol, Sabri Kesen and Kadir Yildiz

VAN / KIRKLARELI / MUGLA / KOCAELI, Turkey (AA) - At least 205 irregular migrants were held in Turkey on Thursday, authorities said.

As many as 46 migrants, including 38 Afghan and eight Pakistani nationals, were held in the eastern Van province, according to a statement from the provincial governor’s office.

Acting on a tip-off, police raided an abandoned house where irregular migrants were sheltered in the countryside of the Edremit district.

One person was also arrested for alleged human smuggling.

Meanwhile, 11 irregular migrants, all Afghan nationals, were held in the Uskup village and Kofcaz district of northwestern Kirklareli province.

In addition, some 112 irregular migrants hiding in a truck were held in the northwestern Kocaeli province. Two suspected human smugglers were also arrested.

Meanwhile, some 36 asylum seekers were also found on board two rubber boats in the Marmaris district of western Mugla province.

The asylum seekers, pushed back into Turkish territorial seas by the Greek authorities, were referred to the local provincial office following routine procedures.