Türkiye detains 1,644 irregular migrants
Türkiye’s Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, has announced a milestone in the nation’s efforts to combat irregular migration and migrant smuggling through the large-scale “Kalkan-30” operations.
In a post shared on X on Monday, Yerlikaya outlined the results of the coordinated operation, which was overseen by the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and executed with the involvement of the General Directorate of Security, the General Command of Gendarmerie, and the Coast Guard Command.
As part of the operations, Turkish authorities detained 1,644 irregular migrants and 51 human trafficking organisers, including 11 foreign nationals.
Yerlikaya confirmed that deportation procedures for the apprehended migrants have been initiated.
The minister provided details about the targets of the operations, which included abandoned buildings, public venues, truck depots, terminals, ports, and public transit hubs.
Additionally, 17 vehicles, three boats, eight unlicensed firearms, and various quantities of illegal narcotics were confiscated.
“Our fight against irregular migration and migrant smuggling continues with determination and resolve for the peace and security of our country,” Yerlikaya affirmed, expressing his gratitude to the “heroic” police officers, gendarmes, Coast Guard personnel, and migration administrators involved in the operations.
Earlier reports highlighted that Türkiye’s security forces have conducted over 6,300 operations against human trafficking organisations this year, resulting in the arrest of nearly 4,000 smugglers.
Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening border security and addressing migration challenges, citing the country’s strategic geographic position as a critical transit route for migrants seeking entry into Europe.
The government has implemented enhanced legal frameworks and fostered international collaboration to tackle the activities of human smuggling networks.
The operations have not only disrupted these networks but also underscored Türkiye’s dedication to maintaining stability and public safety.
Yerlikaya praised the seamless coordination between law enforcement, migration authorities, and the judiciary, calling it a cornerstone of the successful campaign.
A translated excerpt from Yerlikaya’s post read: “ID checks were carried out on 442,778 individuals in abandoned places, public entertainment venues, truck garages, terminals, ports, public transportation stops, and stations.”
Türkiye has redoubled efforts to repatriate irregular migrants to their home countries while continuing to target and dismantle smuggling organisations.
Through operations like Kalkan-30, Türkiye demonstrates its resolve in tackling migration-related issues and ensuring peace and security within its borders, PUNCH Online reports.
