17 Asylum Seekers Held In Northwestern Turkey

At least 17 asylum seekers were held by police in northwestern Turkey, a security source said on Tuesday.

Acting on a tip-off, police stopped a bus that was aiming to illegally cross the border in Canakkale province, said the source, requesting anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

There were 17 Afghan nationals found on the bus, all of whom have been shifted to a center in Ayvacik district, the source said.

The bus driver, identified only by initials Y.M., was arrested during the operation.

Turkey has been a key transit point for asylum seekers aiming to cross into Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution. -