Turkey foils illegal crossing attempts into Europe

By Cihan Demirci and Ozgun Tiran

KIRKLARELI/ EDIRNE, Turkey (AA) - Turkish security forces captured 47 refugees trying to illegally cross into Europe on Wednesday.

Gendarmerie officers in the northwestern province of Kirklareli bordering Bulgaria arrested 24 Afghan and Syrian refugees preparing to flee the country illegally, a security source said on condition of anonymity due to restrictions over speaking to the media.

The two groups of refugees were arrested in Sislioba and Yenice villages in Demirkoy and Pinarhisar districts, respectively, the source said.

Separately, another 23 refugees attempting to illegally cross the border into Greece were captured by gendarmerie officers in neighboring Edirne province, according to a local security source.

The Syrian refugees were captured in two vehicles in Kavakli village, Meric district, the source said, adding the vehicles were impounded.

The security forces also arrested two people for "organizing" the crossing attempt; the suspects were referred to a local court where they were remanded in custody.

All of the 47 refugees were referred to the local migration management authorities.