Turkey arrests 242 irregular migrants in major Istanbul operation
The security operation, codenamed Kalkan-29, was conducted in collaboration with the Migration Management Directorate of Turkey.
KATHMANDU: Turkey’s Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, announced the arrest of 242 irregular migrants in the Esenyurt district of Istanbul, the country’s most populous city.
The security operation, codenamed Kalkan-29, was conducted in collaboration with the Migration Management Directorate of Turkey.
It targeted areas known for irregular settlement activities, including public parks, hotels, and major roadways.
The operation involved 370 police officers, 93 immigration management staff, and 31 mobile migration units.
As Yerlikaya had declared earlier in November, Turkey’s security forces have carried out nearly 6,339 operations against human trafficking organizations this year, leading to the arrest of 3,924 criminals.
Due to its unique geographical position between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Turkey faces a significant challenge in managing illegal immigration.
The country serves as a major transit point and destination for migrants attempting to enter European countries, especially refugees from conflict zones like Syria and Afghanistan.
