Turkish security forces catch 47 refugees attempting to cross into Europe

KIRKLARELİ / EDİRNE – Anadolu Agency

Turkish security forces caught 47 refugees who were trying to illegally cross into Europe on July 26.       

Gendarmerie officers in the northwestern province of Kırklareli, bordering Bulgaria, detained 24 Afghan and Syrian refugees preparing to flee the country illegally, a security source said on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.      

The two groups of refugees were detained in Sislioba and Yenice villages in the Demirköy and Pınarhisar districts, respectively, the source said.      

Separately, 23 refugees attempting to illegally cross the border into Greece were caught by gendarmerie officers in the neighboring Edirne province, according to a local security source.      

The Syrian refugees were caught in two vehicles in the Kavaklı village in the Meriç district, the source said, adding that the vehicles were confiscated.      

Two people were arrested for “organizing” the crossing attempt after appearing in a local court.  

All 47 refugees were referred to local migration management authorities.