23 irregular migrants held in northwestern Turkey

KOCAELI (AA) - At least 23 irregular migrants, including 19 Syrians and four Afghans, were held in northwestern Turkey, according to security sources on Thursday.

Police in Kocaeli discovered the irregular migrants when they stopped three cars after a chase.

The migrants were taken to the provincial migration directorate and three individuals were arrested on allegations of human smuggling.

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.

It hosts nearly 4 million refugees, including more than 3.6 million Syrians, the most in any country in the world.