Over 240 irregular migrants held across Turkey

By S. Ahmet Aytac

ANKARA (AA) - At least 246 irregular migrants were held across Turkey, security sources said Friday.

In the northwestern Edirne province, 113 irregular migrants -- including women and children -- were held in Bosnakoy, Meric, Uzunkopru and Ipsala districts, said a security source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The migrants -- Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Iraqi, Iranian and Palestinian nationals -- were trying to reach Europe, the source added.

Also, security forces and the coast guard held 105 Afghan nationals, including women and children, in Ayvacik district of northwestern Canakkale province.

They were on an attempt to cross to the Greek islands, sources said.

Separately, 28 irregular migrants -- all Syrian nationals -- were held by the gendarmerie and the coast guard in southern Hatay province. The migrants were trying to flee to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) with a boat from Arsuz district.

Meanwhile, security forces arrested two suspects over human trafficking charges.

Turkey has been a main route for irregular migrants trying to cross into Europe, especially since 2011, when the Syrian civil war began.