118 irregular migrants held in Turkey's northwest

By Salih Baran

EDIRNE, Turkey (AA) - Turkish security forces on Friday found at least 118 irregular migrants during operations in Turkey's northwestern provinces, security officials said.

The foreign nationals were attempting to cross the border into Greece and Bulgaria illegally. They were held in Edirne and Kirklareli provinces.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Anadolu Agency that Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Algerian, Moroccan and Syrian nationals were among those held.

They were later transferred to the migration management authority in Edirne.

Turkey has been a main route for refugees trying to cross into Europe, since especially the beginning of the civil war in Syria.