22 irregular migrants held in NW Turkey

By Ozgur Tiran and Mesut Karaduman

KIRKLARELI/TEKIRDAG, Turkey (AA) - A total of 22 irregular migrants were held by Turkish authorities in the country's northwestern provinces, local security forces said on Tuesday.

In Kirklareli, the provincial gendarmerie forces held 13 irregular migrants, including Iraqi, Palestinian, and Afghan nationals, after entering Turkey through illegal means.

The remaining nine irregular migrants of Bangladesh nationals were held amid traveling via taxis in the Tekirdag province.

The suspected human smuggler taxi drivers were arrested by security forces.

The irregular migrants were referred to the provincial migration office.

* Writing by Ali Murat Alhas in Ankara.