ISTANBUL — Turkish authorities in the central city of Sivas have detained 22 Afghan nationals who allegedly entered the country illegally, police announced Saturday.
The arrests came during three separate operations aimed at disrupting migrant smuggling networks, according to local police. Six Turkish citizens were also detained on charges of human trafficking and organizing unauthorized transport for migrants.
Following legal procedures, the Afghan migrants were transferred to a repatriation center, while the suspected smugglers were referred to judicial authorities, Turkey’s NTV reported.
The detentions are part of ongoing efforts by Turkish officials to combat human trafficking and strengthen control over irregular migration, particularly in provinces that have become transit points for migrants seeking to reach Europe.
