48 irregular migrants held in Turkey

By Ozgun Tiran

KIRKLARELI, Turkey (AA) - As many as 48 irregular migrants were held in northwestern Turkey, near the Bulgarian border, security sources said on Wednesday.

Gendarmerie command teams acted on a tip that there were irregular migrants in the forest in Tastape village of Kofcaz district, and Eskitasli village of Luleburgaz district in Kirklareli province, said the sources, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

As a result, Syrian and Iraqi nationals, including children, were held, and transferred to the provincial migration office. Three suspects who allegedly organized the journey were also detained.

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

*Writing by Seda Sevencan in Istanbul