UPDATE - 231 undocumented migrants held in northwestern Turkey

UPDATES HEADLINE AND LEDE, ADDS MIGRANTS FROM ERZURUM, MINOR UPDATES THROUGHOUT

By Hakan Mehmet Sahin

EDIRNE, Turkey (AA) – At least 231 undocumented migrants were held in northwestern and eastern Turkey, a security source said on Thursday.

In the northwestern province of Edirne, 73 migrants attempted to illegally cross into Europe, said the source who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Border guards along with gendarmerie forces conducted searches in Ipsala district.

Among the migrants were Pakistani and Afghan nationals, who were later taken to a provincial migration authority, the source added.

Separately, in eastern Erzurum province, 158 undocumented Afghan and Pakistani migrants were held at four different locations while they were walking in groups.

The migrants who illegally entered Turkey from Iran will be deported.

Turkey has been the main route for refugees trying to cross into Europe, especially since the beginning of the civil war in Syria.