UPDATE - 22 irregular migrants held in western Turkey

UPDATES WITH ASYLUM SEEKERS RESCUED; REVISES DECK, LEDE; MINOR EDITS

By Ozgur Tiran, Mesut Karaduman, Sabri Kesen and Ferdi Uzun

KIRKLARELI/TEKIRDAG/AYDIN/MUGLA, Turkey (AA) - A total of 22 irregular migrants were held in northwestern Turkey, security sources said on Tuesday.

Provincial gendarmerie forces in northwestern Kirklareli held 13 irregular migrants, including Iraqi, Palestinian and Afghan nationals, after they entered Turkey through illegal means.

In Tekirdag, another northwestern province, nine irregular migrants, all Bangladeshi nationals, were held while traveling via taxis.

The taxi drivers were arrested for alleged human smuggling.

The migrants were referred to the provincial migration office.

Meanwhile, the Turkish Coast Guard rescued 120 asylum seekers of the coast of the western Aydin province and 39 others off the coast of the southwestern Mugla province.

They were pushed back by Greek coastal authorities.

* Writing by Ali Murat Alhas and Beyza Binnur Donmez in Ankara.