Over 300 irregular migrants held in Turkey

ANKARA

At least 336 irregular migrants were held across Turkey on Friday, according to security sources.

The Turkish Coast Guard apprehended 124 foreign nationals, including women and children, in western Izmir province, from where they were aiming to reach the Greek island of Chios, a security source said on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media.

Among the migrants were Central African, Iraqi, Palestinian, Angolan and Malian nationals.

Also, border guards held some 21 migrants -- all Syrian nationals -- in the southern border province of Hatay’s Altinozu district.

In the Baskale district of the eastern Van province, 51 migrants, including women and children, were caught by gendarmerie forces for illegally entering the country.

Among the migrants were Afghan and Pakistani nationals.

In northwestern Canakkale province’s Ayvacik district, gendarmerie forces caught 67 Afghan nationals who were trying to reach the Greek islands.

The Turkish Coast Guard held 73 nationals of Pakistan sailing in a boat off the coast of western Mugla province’s Fethiye district.

All of the migrants were referred to the provincial migration office.

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