By S. Ahmet Aytac
ANKARA (AA) – At least 180 irregular migrants were held across Turkey, security sources said Thursday.
In Ayvacik in the northwestern Canakkale province, gendarmerie units held 61 migrants — including Afghan, Syrian nationals — said a security source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.
Separately, in the Aegean Izmir province, 93 irregular migrants — including women and children — were held in the Kusadasi district.
Also in Baskale in the eastern Van province, gendarmerie forces held 26 migrants — all Pakistan nationals.
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.
