Turkish Security Forces Capture 24 Illegal Immigrants In Edirne

EDIRNE - Turkish security forces captured 24 illegal immigrants in northwestern province of Edirne, sources said on Thursday.
Sources noted that gendarme teams caught 24 foreigners of Somalian, Mauritanian and Iranian origin who attempted to proceed to Greece illegally in Kosen village, Ipsala and Meric towns of the province.
They will be deported following legal proceedings.
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.
(EÖ-MS) 03.06.2004