Turkish authorities have arrested 18 Afghan migrants in the northwestern province of Edirne as they attempted to illegally cross into Europe. According to media reports, the group included women and children.
The migrants have been transferred to relevant migration centres, where deportation procedures are expected to begin.
Turkiya border forces said the arrests were carried out during an operation aimed at preventing irregular migration through land routes into European countries.
Edirne, which borders Greece and Bulgaria, is widely regarded as a key transit corridor for migrants seeking to enter Europe. Thousands attempt the crossing each year, often relying on smuggling networks.
Data from the Directorate General of Migration Management shows that more than 152,000 irregular migrants were detained across Turkey last year. Of those, over 42,000 were Afghan nationals.
Turkiya remains a major transit country for migrants from Asia and the Middle East attempting to reach Europe, as authorities continue efforts to curb irregular migration along its western borders.
It is worth mentioning here that last month, in January, fourteen more undocumented Afghan migrants were arrested in the city of Şanlıurfa, Turkey.
According to media reports, three facilitators involved in transporting undocumented migrants were also arrested and have been sent to prison.
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