At least 62 irregular migrants held across Turkiye

By Ekip

SANLIURFA/TEKIRDAG/MUGLA, Turkiye (AA) - At least 62 irregular migrants were held nationwide by Turkish authorities on Wednesday.

Gendarmerie forces in southeastern Sanliurfa province learned that a group of 10 Afghans were traveling on the highway connecting the province to Diyarbakir and security forces apprehended the group.

Five Iranian irregular migrants were found in a vehicle that was stopped at a checkpoint in northwestern Tekirdag province. The driver identified as S.T., was arrested on alleged human trafficking.

In Mugla, 23 irregular migrants were found off Marmaris district and held by Coast Guard units. Two men were arrested for reportedly smuggling migrants.

Also, the Coast Guard Command's mobile radar detected 24 irregular migrants traveling off Bodrum district in Mugla. Units held the irregular migrants and took them ashore.

All of the migrants were referred to the provincial migration office following health assistance.

Earlier, 12 irregular migrants were found frozen to death in Northwestern Edirne province bordering Greece. Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said the migrants were "pushed back" by Greek border forces and stripped of their clothes.

Turkiye 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 Ali Murat Alhas