15 irregular migrants held in northwestern Turkey

By Ozgun Tiran

KIRKLARELI, Turkey (AA) - A total of 15 foreign nationals who entered Turkey illegally were held in the northwestern Kirklareli province, security sources said on Thursday.

Gendarmerie teams received information about the presence of foreign nationals, who entered Turkey through illegal means, in Malkoclar and Yukarikanara villages in the Kofcaz district.

A total of 15 foreign nationals, all Afghans, were held and referred to a local migration center.

Turkey has been a key transit point for asylum seekers who want to cross into Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.

Turkey, which already hosts 4 million refugees – more than any country in the world – is taking new security measures both within and on borders to prevent a fresh influx of migrants.

*Writing by Merve Berker