Turkish army intercepts almost 12,000 illegal entrants from Syria border in June

ANKARA - Anadolu Agency

Gendarmerie forces, who make regular checks, intercepted 2,797 people who were trying to cross the borders illegally. DHA Photo

The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) intercepted nearly 12,000 illegal entrants in June as they were attempting to cross into Turkey from Syria.

According to data from the General Staff, border patrols have detained 11,644 illegals near the Syrian border and launched legal action against a total of 15,882 people captured between June 1 and 30.

Gendarmerie forces, who make regular checks in the provinces of Iğdır, Gaziantep, Muğla, Kırşehir, Kilis, Mardin, Edirne, İzmir, Şırnak, Aydın, Kırklareli, Tekirdağ, Aydın, Hatay, Balıkesir and Çanakkale, intercepted 2,797 people who were trying to cross the borders illegally.

The army secures the Syrian border with up to 200 border posts where soldiers oversee it with thermal cameras, night-vision glasses and armored vehicles called “Kobras.”

Soldiers warn entrants who want to cross the border in Arabic and Kurdish about the mine field. After a body search, officials write down a report about contraband and provide it to gendarmerie forces.