The migrants, who were Afghan nationals, were later sent to the local migration office, the statement said.

3 human traffickers were also arrested in the operations, the statement noted.

Historically, Turkey has been a country of origin, transit, and destination for migrants and was a crossroads between Europe and Asia.

Recent regional events have contributed to Turkey increasingly becoming a major destination and transit country for those fleeing conflict, poverty, and disasters.

Turkey hosts one of the largest migrant and refugee populations in the world.

According to the official reports, 113,865 irregular migrants held across the country in 2020. (ILKHA)