283 migrants detained across Turkey

KIRKLARELİ/VAN- Anadolu Agency

Security forces detained a total of 283 migrants across Turkey on Sept. 18.

In Turkey’s northwestern province of Kırklareli, gendarmerie forces detained 84 Iranian, Pakistani, Iraqi and Afghan migrants attempting to cross into Bulgaria.

One person was detained on human smuggling charges, said security sources speaking on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media.

Additionally, gendarmerie forces detained 199 migrants, including children, in the eastern province of Van at three separate checkpoints, the sources said.

The migrants include Afghan, Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals.

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