Turkish authorities have detained 30 Afghan migrants, including 12 children, in the western province of Aydin, according to the Turkish Coast Guard.
The authorities said the migrants were allegedly attempting to leave Turkey through irregular migration routes when they were detained. The group included several children among the Afghan nationals found during the operation.
The Turkish Coast Guard did not provide further details about where the migrants were planning to travel or whether any smugglers were involved in the attempted journey.
Turkey has remained a major transit point for migrants seeking to travel toward Europe and other destinations. Turkish authorities regularly carry out operations targeting irregular migration routes, particularly along the country’s western coastline.
The detention of the Afghan migrants highlights the continuing challenges faced by Afghans attempting to move through irregular migration channels. Children are also among those who undertake such journeys, often alongside family members.
Following their detention, the migrants are expected to be processed under Turkish immigration procedures. Authorities have not provided additional information about their individual circumstances or their next destination.
The Turkish Coast Guard continues to conduct patrols and operations aimed at preventing irregular migration and responding to migrant movements along the country’s coastal areas.