EDIRNE - Security forces intercepted 39 illegal immigrants in Ipsala town of northwestern province of Edirne on Tuesday as they were trying to proceed to Greece illegally.
Security forces patrolling around the area captured 39 immigrants of Bangladeshi, Syrian, Algerian, Somalian Iraqi, Lebanese, Iranian and Moroccan origin.
The immigrants were taken into custody for violating Turkish borders and passport law.
They will be deported once the legal proceedings are completed.
Turkey is a route of illegal migration due to its geographical location lying between Asia and Europe like a bridge with its rough mountainous eastern and southeastern borders difficult to control. Illegal immigrants from Middle Eastern, Asian and Far Eastern countries generally use this route or to sneak into European countries.
In the West, northwestern Edirne province and some other Aegean provinces are routes for illegal immigrants to cross the border. Particularly Meric River, a natural border between Turkey and Greece, and Aegean provinces which are close to Greek Islands in the Aegean Sea are used by illegal immigrants to go to European countries.
In recent years, there has been a considerable increase in the number of illegal immigrants who were caught by the Turkish security forces who stepped up security measures against illegal migration.
(MS) 25.05.2004