Ankara, January 16 – Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced today that a significant operation against migrant smuggling, spanning 15 provinces, has led to the apprehension of 155 migrant smuggling organizers. Of those detained, 50 have been arrested, and 27 have been placed under judicial control, with legal proceedings ongoing for the remaining individuals.
Extensive Operations Across Multiple Provinces
Minister Yerlikaya shared details of the operations on his social media account, highlighting the efforts conducted over the past two weeks. The coordinated actions, led by the Gendarmerie General Command’s Department of Combating Migrant Smuggling and Human Trafficking, involved Provincial Gendarmerie Commands and Gendarmerie Commandos.
The operations took place in Aydın, Çanakkale, Edirne, Iğdır, İzmir, Kahramanmaraş, Kars, Kırklareli, Kırşehir, Kocaeli, Muğla, Sakarya, Şanlıurfa, Tekirdağ, and Van. Authorities utilized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during the operations, seizing 81 vehicles and 6 boats.
Deconstructing Migrant Smuggling Networks
Yerlikaya emphasized that the coordinated efforts successfully dismantled migrant smuggling networks extending from major cities to coastal provinces. He stated, “The security dimension of migration management is based on effective work carried out in the fight against human trafficking, irregular migration, and migrant smuggling, adhering to the principles of the rule of law and human rights.”
He further added, “In this context, border security is strengthened by utilizing superior technologies and advanced monitoring-supervision systems; robust and deterrent mechanisms are implemented both in the field and on legal grounds against structures that encourage and organize illegal migration routes. I congratulate those who contributed.”
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The operations underscore Turkey’s commitment to combating irregular migration and human trafficking. The significant number of arrests and judicial controls indicates a determined effort to disrupt these illicit networks and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
The legal processes for the remaining individuals apprehended are continuing, suggesting further developments may emerge as investigations progress. The use of advanced technology, such as UAVs, highlights the modern approach taken by Turkish authorities to enhance surveillance and interdiction capabilities.
This widespread operation is part of a broader strategy to manage migration effectively and ensure national security. The focus on both land and sea routes for smuggling reflects the comprehensive nature of the challenge and the multi-faceted response by law enforcement agencies.
The Interior Ministry continues to monitor and act against such criminal activities, reinforcing the message that migrant smuggling will not be tolerated within Turkey’s borders. The success of this operation serves as a deterrent to those involved in organizing and facilitating illegal migration.
Source: https://www.dha.com.tr/yerel-haberler/ankara/15-ilde-gocmen-kacakciligi-operasyonu-50-tutuk-2799353
