Over 100 irregular migrants held in Turkey

By Necat Hazar

VAN, Turkey (AA) - At least 124 irregular migrants were held across Turkey, security sources said on Friday.

In the eastern Van province, 91 migrants -- including Afghan and Pakistani nationals -- were rounded up by security units, said a security source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Separately in the northwestern province of Canakkale's Ayvacik district, 33 Afghan nationals, including women and children, were rounded up.

All of the migrants were referred to provincial migration offices.

Turkey has been a main route for irregular migrants trying to cross into Europe, especially since 2011, when the Syrian civil war began.