"A total of 624 irregular migrants were held by the Coast Guard Command between February 14-20, 2020, as part of the activities to combat irregular migration, which are ongoing on a 24/7 basis," the statement said.

Turkey has traditionally been a major transit port for illegal immigrants to enter the European Union.

According to the official reports, 454,662 irregular migrants held across the country in 2019. (ILKHA)