Over 1,800 undocumented migrants held across Turkey

By Baris Yalcinkaya, Seyhan Kirici, Mehmet Ali Ilnem and Safak Yel

ANKARA

At least 1,826 undocumented migrants, including women and children have been held during anti-human trafficking operations across Turkey, according to officials on Thursday.

Gendarme units found 171 migrants, including women and children stowed away in the back of a lorry on the road between Erzincan and Erzurum provinces near Tercan district Thursday, Erzincan Governor's Office said.

The main organizer of the illegal trip was arrested while driver and owner of the lorry were fined 44,833 Turkish liras ($11,481), it added.

In northwestern Balikesir province, a court remanded in custody 52 foreigners in Ayvalik district, while six others were remanded for human trafficking Thursday. Among the migrants were nine Africans and 43 Syrians, Balikesir Governor's Office said.

Separately, 13 people were arrested during anti-smuggling operations in southwestern Denizli province; the suspects were found to be in possession of contraband cigarettes, alcohol and tobacco.

In Aydin province, 35 Syrians, who were trying to reach Greece using illegal routes, were held, according to a security official, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on talking to the media.

Separately, 114 foreign nationals who were trying to reach Greece were held in Dikili district of Izmir province, a gendarme source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media, said.

A suspect, who allegedly helped people trying to cross into Greece illegally, was also arrested, the source added.

In southern Hatay province, 12 Syrians who illegally crossed the Turkish border were arrested from a bus station.

Separately, 65 Syrians were held in Cesme district of the Aegean province of Izmir, according to coast guards.

The migrants, found off Cape Karaabdullah coast, were taken to the regional immigration department.

In northwestern Edirne province, 19 migrants including Syrian and Bangladeshi nationals were held during a police check.

Also,1,430 migrants were held Wednesday when they attempted to cross the Turkish border using illegal routes, according to a statement issued by Turkish General Staff Thursday.

“1,348 migrants were held while illegally entering Turkey from Syria in addition to four others who tried to cross border to enter Syria,” the statement said.

Two migrants were detained while attempting to cross the Greek border to enter into Turkey using an illegal route, it said; 76 others were also held while trying to cross Turkish border into Greece.