Over 380 irregular migrants held across Turkey

By Cihan Demirci </p> <p>EDIRNE, Turkey (AA) – At least 384 irregular migrants were held across Turkey on Friday, according to multiple security sources. </p> <p>A total of 309 irregular migrants were held by gendarmerie forces in the northwestern province of Edirne, bordering Greece and Bulgaria, a source said on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media. </p> <p>In Balikesir, another northwestern province, 23 irregular migrants in a rubber boat were held by the Turkish Coast Guard. </p> <p>Additionally, 17 migrants who were preparing to cross to Greece were held by gendarmerie forces in the same province. </p> <p>Security forces also arrested four alleged human smugglers in operations. </p> <p>Moreover, 35 irregular migrants were held by the gendarmerie forces in the northwestern Duzce province. </p> <p>All the migrants were later referred to provincial migration directorates. </p> <p>In early Friday, nine irregular migrants drowned off the Aegean coast of Balikesir, the Turkish Coast Guard said. </p> <p>They rescued five irregular migrants during the operation and recovered nine bodies; four women and five children. </p> <p>Turkey has been the main route for refugees trying to cross to Europe, especially since 2011, the beginning of the Syrian civil war.</p> <p>Some 268,000 irregular migrants were held in Turkey in 2018, according to the Interior Ministry. </p> <p>*Writing by Busra Nur Bilgic