Turkish authorities conducted a major security operation codenamed "KALKAN-19" over the Eid al-Fitr holiday, resulting in the detention of 1,177 irregular migrants across 30 major cities.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced the results, highlighting the nationwide scope of the operation which involved 162 mobile checkpoints.

Yerlikaya reaffirmed the government's dedication to combating irregular migration and human trafficking, stating that these operations would continue relentlessly throughout the country.

The security sweep meticulously examined the identities of over 22,700 individuals, with a particular focus on Istanbul, where over 100 checkpoints were deployed. As a popular destination and transit point for migrants, Istanbul witnessed significant enforcement activity.

Apprehended migrants will undergo deportation procedures overseen by the Provincial Directorates of Migration Management.

Yerlikaya commended the efforts of all security personnel involved, including the police, gendarmerie, and Coast Guard. (ILKHA)