By S. Ahmet Aytac
ANKARA (AA) – At least 97 irregular migrants were held across Turkey, security sources said Wednesday.
In the northwestern Balikesir province, the security units rounded up 28 migrants — all Afghan nationals — in Ayvalik district, said a security source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.
Separately in the northwestern Kirklareli province, 54 irregular migrants — including Iraqi, Iranian and Afghan nationals — were nabbed in Pinarhisar and Kofcaz districts.
Also in Bodrum district of western Mugla province, the coast guards held 15 migrants – including Syrian, Iraqi and Palestinian 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.
