UPDATE - 48 irregular migrants held across Turkey

UPDATES WITH FOREIGN NATIONALS HELD IN CAPITAL ANKARA; CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE

By Ufuk Ertop, Ibrahim Aktas, and Sertac Bulur

ANKARA/KIRKLARELI/KOCAELI, Turkey (AA) - A total of 48 irregular migrants who illegally entered Turkey were held across the country, according to security sources on Friday.

Acting on a tip, gendarmerie teams in the northwestern Kirklareli province held five Afghan nationals in the Kofcaz district, said the source who asked not to be named as he is not authorized to speak to the media.

The foreign nationals claimed that they were beaten in Bulgaria and sent to Turkey. Later, they were referred to a local repatriation center, the source added.

Separately, a total of 32 Afghan nationals were held in Ankara's Altindag and Golbasi districts as well as at the capital's intercity bus terminal -- known as ASTI -- a security source said.

Necessary procedures have been initiated for the deportation of the Afghan nationals, the source added.

At least 11 irregular migrants from Pakistan were held in Turkey’s northwestern Kocaeli province on Friday, the provincial security directorate said.

The Pakistani nationals were found in a bus at a security checkpoint, it added.

The police also arrested the bus driver over a suspected charge of human smuggling.

Turkey has been a key transit point for asylum seekers who want to cross into Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.

It hosts nearly 4 million refugees, including over 3.6 million Syrians, more than any other country in the world.

* Writing by Gozde Bayar in Ankara.