SIRNAK/EDIRNE - Turkish security forces captured 50 illegal immigrants in southeastern Sirnak and northwestern Edirne provinces, sources said on Friday.
Security forces captured 21 Iraqis who wanted to enter Turkey illegally in Sirnak's Uludere town while 27 foreigners, including ten Iraqis, five Georgians, five Moroccans, seven Mauritanians and two Turks were captured in Edirne's Enez and Uzunkopru towns while trying to sneak into Greece.
Foreigners will be deported following legal proceedings while two Turks were transferred to Edirne Prosecutor's Office.
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 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.
(BRC) 11.06.2004