In the northwestern province of Kirklareli, gendarmerie forces detected six groups of migrants preparing to illegally cross the border, said a security source who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.
TURKEY IS THE MAIN ROUTE FOR MIGRANTS
A total of 41 migrants comprising Iraqi, Afghan, Pakistani and Iranian nationals were caught in Luleburgaz and Demirkoy districts in Kirklareli, said a security source.
Police detained three suspects for alleged migrant smuggling.
In a separate operation, a group of 27 Congolese, three South African and five Syrian nationals in a rubber boat were held by the Turkish Coast Guard off Foca, Izmir, said a security source.
Turkey has been the main route for irregular migrants trying to cross into Europe, especially since 2011, when the Syrian civil war began.