By S. Ahmet Aytac </p> <p>ANKARA (AA) – At least 168 irregular migrants were held across Turkey, security sources said on Tuesday. </p> <p>In the northwestern Balikesir province, 50 irregular migrants — including women and children — were held in Ayvalik district, said a security source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media. </p> <p>The migrants — all Afghan nationals — were planning to cross to the Greek island of Lesbos, the source added. </p> <p>Also, security forces rounded up 19 migrants — Syrian and Pakistani nationals — in Gelibolu town of northwestern Canakkale province. They were also planning to cross to the Greek’s Lesbos island, another source said.</p> <p>Separately, 56 irregular migrants — including women and children — were held by gendarmerie forces and Turkish Coast Guard in Seferihisar district of western Izmir province.</p> <p>In the southern border province of Hatay, 30 irregular migrants — all Syrian nationals — were held by the gendarmerie forces in Kirikhan district.</p> <p>At least 13 irregular migrants were also held by Turkish Coast Guard in Bodrum city of Mugla province. </p> <p>All of the migrants were referred to provincial migration directorates. </p> <p>Meanwhile, security forces arrested six suspected human traffickers during the operations.</p> <p>Turkey has been a main route for irregular migrants trying to cross into Europe, especially since 2011, when the Syrian civil war began.
