190 undocumented migrants held in western Turkey

By Cihan Demirci

EDIRNE, Turkey

At least 190 undocumented migrants were held in the western Turkish province of Edirne as they attempted to illegally cross into Europe, a security source said on Wednesday.

Border guards together with gendarmerie forces conducted searches in Ipsala, Kesan, Uzunkopru districts and some central villages, said the source who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Among the migrants were Egyptian, Iraqi, Syrian, Pakistani, Palestinian, Bangladeshi, Afghan, Sri Lankan, Algerian and Moroccan nationals, who were later taken to a provincial migration authority, it added.

Turkey has been the main route for refugees trying to cross into Europe, especially since the beginning of the civil war in Syria.