Turkish Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, announced the apprehension of 31 migrant smuggling suspects, including 9 foreign nationals, and 981 irregular migrants during the nationwide 'Kalkan-35' operations.

In a post on his social media account, Yerlikaya detailed that the operations involved checks on 366,838 individuals and inspections at 15,250 different locations. "A total of 31 migrant smuggling organisers, including 9 foreign nationals, and 981 irregular migrants were caught in the 'Kalkan-35' operations carried out across the country yesterday,” he stated.

The minister emphasized Ankara's role in migration management, claiming: "Türkiye offers an exemplary model to the whole world in migration management, respecting human rights and freedoms, adhering to the values of law and civilization, and never compromising on public order and security." He highlighted the comprehensive approach to migration issues, which includes regular and irregular migration, international protection, voluntary, safe, and dignified returns, combating migrant smuggling, and border management.

Operations were coordinated by Chief Public Prosecutor's Offices and the Directorate of Migration Management, with active participation from the General Directorate of Security, the General Command of Gendarmerie, and the Coast Guard Command. Checks were conducted at various points including abandoned places, public entertainment venues, truck garages, terminals, ports, and public transport stops and stations.

Yerlikaya specified that 15,250 places were inspected, covering 4,327 abandoned buildings, 7,475 public places, 461 terminals, and 2,987 other locations, with 26,438 personnel and 8,412 teams involved.

He concluded by noting that the process for the repatriation of the detected irregular migrants has been initiated. (ILKHA)