By Ozgun Tiran
KIRKLARELI, Turkey (AA) - At least 44 undocumented migrants were held in northwestern Turkey, security sources said on Monday.
In the province of Kirklareli, gendarmes held the foreign nationals in Demirkoy, Kofcaz and Babaeski towns, said the sources on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.
Undocumented migrants of Iraqi, Afghan, Pakistani and Syrian origins were trying to illegally cross into Europe, the sources added.
They were later referred to the local migration authorities.
Meanwhile, two suspects were arrested for allegedly organizing the illegal border crossing.
Turkey has been the main route for refugees trying to cross into Europe, especially since 2011, the start of Syria's civil war.
Among the migrants held in 2017 in Turkey, the majority came from Pakistan -- around 15,000 -- followed by Afghans at around 12,000. Syrians totaled 10,000.